Software Developer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Software Developer salary lies between USD 90,950 and USD 173,000 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: Jan. 19, 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

In the United States, the salary composition for AI/ML/Data Science roles can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is divided into three main components: base salary, bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits.

• Base Salary: This is the fixed annual amount and usually constitutes the largest portion of the total compensation. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York, or Seattle, base salaries tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market.

• Bonuses: These can be performance-based or company-wide and are often a percentage of the base salary. Industries like finance or large tech companies might offer substantial bonuses, whereas smaller startups might offer less in cash bonuses but more in equity.

• Additional Remuneration: This includes stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and other benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. Larger companies often provide more comprehensive benefits packages, while startups might offer equity as a significant part of the compensation.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from a software developer position in AI/ML/Data Science, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills with the latest technologies and methodologies in AI/ML. Specializing in high-demand 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-level positions and increase earning potential.

• Networking and Industry Engagement: Attend conferences, workshops, and meetups to connect with industry leaders and peers. Networking can lead to new opportunities and insights into higher-paying roles.

• Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership or managerial positions, which typically offer higher salaries. Demonstrating strong project management and team leadership skills can help you move up the ladder.

Educational Requirements

Most AI/ML/Data Science roles 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 or Ph.D., especially for research-intensive positions. A strong foundation in programming, algorithms, and data structures is essential, along with coursework in machine learning, data analysis, and statistical modeling.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certifications can enhance your resume and demonstrate expertise. Some valuable certifications include:

• Certified Machine Learning Professional (CMLP)
• 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 and knowledge, making you a more competitive candidate.

Required Experience

Experience requirements vary, but most positions require at least 2-5 years of relevant experience. This can include internships, research projects, or previous roles in software development, data analysis, or machine learning. Experience with specific tools and technologies, such as Python, R, TensorFlow, or PyTorch, is often expected.

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