Software Developer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Software Developer salary lies between USD 83,600 and USD 164,000 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: Jan. 12, 2025

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 | 735 jobs Engineering | 576 jobs Machine Learning | 548 jobs Computer Science | 501 jobs Java | 405 jobs Architecture | 397 jobs Security | 345 jobs Agile | 340 jobs Testing | 331 jobs SQL | 283 jobs Docker | 268 jobs AWS | 266 jobs APIs | 265 jobs Research | 250 jobs JavaScript | 244 jobs Kubernetes | 230 jobs Git | 220 jobs Azure | 207 jobs Linux | 200 jobs DevOps | 187 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 | 654 jobs Flex hours | 309 jobs Health care | 289 jobs Competitive pay | 208 jobs Insurance | 199 jobs Equity / stock options | 180 jobs Startup environment | 173 jobs Flex vacation | 137 jobs Salary bonus | 115 jobs Medical leave | 108 jobs Team events | 102 jobs Parental leave | 90 jobs 401(k) matching | 76 jobs Flexible spending account | 58 jobs Wellness | 53 jobs Relocation support | 44 jobs Transparency | 23 jobs Conferences | 17 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 16 jobs Fitness / gym | 14 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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