Software Developer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Software Developer salary lies between USD 82,100 and USD 163,825 globally. 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.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Software Developer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with 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 | 621 jobs Engineering | 494 jobs Machine Learning | 467 jobs Computer Science | 412 jobs Java | 343 jobs Architecture | 340 jobs Agile | 295 jobs Security | 291 jobs Testing | 284 jobs SQL | 243 jobs APIs | 227 jobs Docker | 225 jobs AWS | 218 jobs JavaScript | 204 jobs Kubernetes | 202 jobs Research | 202 jobs Git | 183 jobs Azure | 170 jobs Linux | 167 jobs DevOps | 161 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Software Developer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Software Developer job listings are Career development, Flex hours and Health care. 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 | 553 jobs Flex hours | 264 jobs Health care | 254 jobs Competitive pay | 178 jobs Insurance | 167 jobs Equity / stock options | 157 jobs Startup environment | 149 jobs Flex vacation | 119 jobs Salary bonus | 99 jobs Medical leave | 94 jobs Team events | 90 jobs Parental leave | 82 jobs 401(k) matching | 67 jobs Flexible spending account | 51 jobs Wellness | 50 jobs Relocation support | 39 jobs Transparency | 19 jobs Conferences | 17 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 15 jobs Fitness / gym | 12 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Software Developer in AI/ML/Data Science typically consists of a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the fixed component and usually makes up the majority of the total compensation. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's success and individual performance, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, like stock options, is more common in tech companies and startups, especially in regions like Silicon Valley. In larger companies or those in high-cost living areas, the total compensation package might be more generous, including comprehensive benefits and retirement plans.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from this 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 or Ph.D. in a related field can open doors to higher-paying roles.
• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into a leadership or managerial position can significantly boost your salary.
• Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to opportunities in higher-paying companies or roles.
• Industry Change: Some industries, like finance or healthcare, may offer higher salaries for AI/ML expertise compared to others.

Educational Requirements

Most positions in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, mathematics, or a related field. However, a master's degree is often preferred and can be a significant advantage. Advanced degrees demonstrate a deeper understanding of complex algorithms and data analysis techniques, which are crucial in this field.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credibility and skill set:

• Certified Machine Learning Professional (CMLP)
• TensorFlow Developer Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• Data Science Council of America (DASCA) Certifications

These certifications can validate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with 2-5 years of experience in software development, with a focus on AI/ML projects. Experience with data analysis, model building, and deployment in production environments is highly valued. Internships, research projects, or contributions to open-source AI/ML projects can also be beneficial.

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