Software Developers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$131,450
~$63/hr · ~$10,954/mo
US Jobs
1.9M
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
9/10
Very High
AI & Automation Risk
Very High 9/10
This occupation is fundamentally digital, with core tasks like coding, debugging, and test automation being primary use cases for Large Language Models. While high-level system architecture and complex stakeholder communication provide some insulation, AI is drastically increasing individual productivity, which will likely lead to significant restructuring of entry-level roles and QA functions.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CABEST VALUE | $208,270 | Above avg (113.1) | $184,214 |
| Boulder, CO | $159,670 | Average (100.6) | $158,696 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $169,340 | Above avg (112.7) | $150,216 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $174,910 | Above avg (117.6) | $148,795 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area | $157,540 | Above avg (107.0) | $147,219 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $159,240 | Above avg (110.7) | $143,795 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $161,970 | Above avg (112.6) | $143,788 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $163,020 | Above avg (113.7) | $143,343 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $132,760 | Below avg (93.5) | $141,968 |
| Binghamton, NY | $129,600 | Below avg (92.1) | $140,732 |
| Yuma, AZ | $123,840 | Below avg (88.1) | $140,590 |
| Rochester, MN | $130,480 | Below avg (93.0) | $140,364 |
| Yuba City, CA | $145,550 | Above avg (103.8) | $140,251 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $154,240 | Above avg (110.4) | $139,719 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $149,010 | Above avg (106.7) | $139,635 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+15% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$63/hr
Monthly Income
~$10,954/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)