
What salary can you expect as a software developer?
You may have wondered what the starting salary for a software developer if you are considering becoming one. In your first year of employment, will you be able make ends meet as software engineer? Is your salary likely to increase over time? Is there a certain industry where you might earn more than others?
The good news is that demand for software developers continues to grow. Software developers are in high demand, and employers are willing pay more to be ahead of their competitors.
Find out below what salaries entry-level software developers make. Perhaps you’ll be ready for a Coding Dojo bootcamp once you have started your new career.
Employment Status
Software developers are paid an annual salary, rather than an hourly wage by most organizations. The exempt and non-exempt status of software developers will vary depending on their roles and responsibilities.
The annual salary divided by 2,080 can be used to calculate an hourly rate of compensation for a full-time job. To calculate your annual salary, multiply the hourly rate by 2,080. SmartAsset and ADP are just a few of the many online resources that can help you calculate your hourly rate or salary.
Salaries for Software Development Entry-Level
According to Glassdoor.com the national average entry-level salary for software developers is $62,000 USD. This is an average salary, so your starting salary may be higher or lower depending upon where you live or what company you work for. Software developers can be hired by companies starting at $50,000, or as high as $91,000 annually.
As you gain more experience and stay longer with the company, your salary will likely increase quickly. According to Glassdoor, the average software engineer salary is $108,000 for all levels of experience and $119,000 according To Indeed. After a few years, your salary may range from $120,000 to $180,000. However, many companies pay more experienced software developers than that.
High Paying Industries
No matter what your field is, there are many options for entry-level software development jobs.
While they may offer more benefits, smaller companies, start-ups, and non-profit organizations tend to offer lower compensation. This could include perks such as unlimited time off, pet insurance and stock options, remote working, and many other perks. These companies may offer more opportunities for advancement as your career grows.
On the other hand, companies such as Microsoft, LinkedIn and Amazon in tech hubs (Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago) tend to offer higher entry level software salaries and more established benefits. However, they may not have the unique perks that startups might have. This list should give you an idea of the top-paying software developers.
Remember that the compensation is a function of the professionalism required and the expectations placed on you by the organization. This means that higher-paying jobs often require more time and resources, and require a higher level professionalism. Some people may prefer less responsibility while they learn the ropes, while others seek leadership positions as soon the feet touch the ground. Only you can decide if a position is within your comfort level.
New graduates often make the common mistake of overlooking or dismissing benefits and choosing the highest possible salary. A 10% difference in employer’s health insurance premium or retirement match can quickly negate the additional salary offered. When accepting, declining, and negotiating an offer, consider salary and benefits.
Opportunities for Advancement
Your professional and personal goals will determine whether you are offered a promotion. Many companies have a lead developer, director of development, or coordinator of the software development project.
Potential for a rise in responsibility equals the opportunity for professional growth and higher compensation and benefits. Ask prospective employers to describe the structure or chain of command of the IT/software-development department or division.