Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Software Developer in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Software Developer salary lies between USD 82,100 and USD 158,200 in the United States. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Mid-level / Intermediate Software Developer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Software Developer job listings are Python, Engineering and Machine Learning. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Python | 172 jobs Engineering | 130 jobs Machine Learning | 126 jobs Computer Science | 118 jobs Architecture | 100 jobs Java | 94 jobs SQL | 92 jobs Agile | 84 jobs Security | 83 jobs Testing | 70 jobs JavaScript | 69 jobs Docker | 66 jobs APIs | 66 jobs Git | 63 jobs Linux | 61 jobs AWS | 60 jobs Research | 59 jobs Kubernetes | 52 jobs Azure | 52 jobs React | 51 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Mid-level / Intermediate Software Developer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with mid-level / intermediate Software Developer job listings are Career development, Health care and Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 152 jobs Health care | 67 jobs Flex hours | 66 jobs Insurance | 57 jobs Competitive pay | 42 jobs Equity / stock options | 40 jobs Startup environment | 31 jobs Medical leave | 28 jobs Flex vacation | 26 jobs Team events | 25 jobs Salary bonus | 23 jobs 401(k) matching | 20 jobs Parental leave | 20 jobs Flexible spending account | 12 jobs Wellness | 10 jobs Relocation support | 7 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 5 jobs Gear | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Signing bonus | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a mid-level AI/ML/Data Science role typically includes a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s policy and individual performance, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can be a significant part of the total compensation, especially in high-growth industries.

Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market. Industry-wise, tech companies, finance, and healthcare often offer higher compensation packages compared to academia or non-profit sectors. Company size can also influence salary composition, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive benefits and bonuses.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a mid-level position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in emerging AI/ML technologies and tools. Specializing in niche areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision can make you more valuable.

• Advanced Education: Pursuing a master's degree or Ph.D. in a related field can open up higher-paying opportunities and leadership roles.

• Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities. Attending conferences, meetups, and workshops can lead to new opportunities and insights into higher-paying roles.

• Leadership Roles: Aim for roles with more responsibility, such as team lead or project manager, which often come with higher pay.

• Switching Companies: Sometimes, moving to a new company can result in a significant salary increase, especially if you leverage offers from other companies.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level AI/ML/Data Science positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree due to the advanced knowledge and skills it provides. A strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and programming is essential, as these are core components of AI/ML work.

Helpful Certifications

While not always required, certain certifications can enhance your resume and demonstrate your expertise:

• Certified Data Scientist (CDS)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer

These certifications can validate your skills in specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level position requires 3-5 years of experience in software development, with a focus on AI/ML or data science projects. Experience with data analysis, model building, and deployment is crucial. Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, R, or Java, and tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn is often expected. Experience in handling large datasets and working with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud can also be beneficial.

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