What Software Developers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Software Developers this way: "Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system"; "Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints"; "Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects"; "Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces"; "Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Software Developers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 1,717,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 1,892,600 in 2035, an increase of 174,800 jobs (+10.2%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 95,300 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 5.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $135,980, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Software Developers earn the most
Across the 30 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $115,452 in Ohio to $184,398 in California, a gap of $68,945 (1.60 times). 12 of those 30 states average above the BLS national median of $135,980 and 18 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 253,790, which is 12.7% of the 1,998,500 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 155,260.
Highest-paying states
California ($184,398), New Hampshire ($164,712) and Washington ($163,103) lead the ranking, while Ohio ($115,452) and Kentucky ($117,173) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Software Developers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 50 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Santa Clara County, CA (San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA) at $100,121. The smallest margin is $64,741 in Cuyahoga County, OH.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 50 of the 50 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 11.4% and 28.2% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Software Developers
Web and Digital Interface Designers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (15-1000) include Computer Network Architects, Information Security Analysts, Computer Systems Analysts and Network and Computer Systems Administrators.
Frequently asked questions about Software Developers
How much do Software Developers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $135,980. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $115,452 to $184,398.
Which state pays Software Developers the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $184,398. New Hampshire is next at $164,712.
Is Software Developers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 10.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 95,300 openings a year.
What education do Software Developers need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.
Where can Software Developers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Santa Clara County, CA leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $100,121 on a median wage of $213,110.