As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Graduate Software Developer in the United States is $131,541 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.
However, a Graduate Software Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Graduate Software Developer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Graduate Software Developer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Graduate Software Developer | $83,968 |
| Software ... Level Graduate Software Developer | $108,059 |
| Graduate ... Level Graduate Software Developer | $132,334 |
| Software ... Level Graduate Software Developer | $153,106 |
| Software ... Level Graduate Software Developer | $176,004 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Graduate Software Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.68% |
| Software Development | 4.7% |
| Software Engineering | 2.8% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Open Source
|
$136,803 |
4%
|
|
Container
|
$135,487 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$135,487 |
3%
|
|
Kubernetes
|
$135,487 |
3%
|
|
Python
|
$134,172 |
2%
|
|
AWS
|
$134,172 |
2%
|
For Graduate Software Developer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 27% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 14% above the average. In contrast, Graduate Software Developer positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Graduate Software Developer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $149,957 | $72.0 | 14% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $147,326 | $71.0 | 12% |
| Internet | $146,011 | $70.0 | 11% |
| Biotechnology | $144,695 | $70.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $143,380 | $69.0 | 9% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Graduate Software Developers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Graduate Software Developer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $122,135 and $128,293).
Graduate Software Developer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 2.0% |
| Associates | 1.4% |
| Bachelors | 46.1% |
| Masters | 44.2% |
| Doctorate | 6.0% |
Understanding how a Graduate Software Developer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Graduate Software Developer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $130,562 in 2023 to around $129,278 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Graduate Software Developer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $130,562 |
| 2024 | $130,820 |
| 2025 | $129,278 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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