Software Developer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Software Developer salary lies between USD 100,000 and USD 179,000 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: 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 C, Cloud and Java. 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:

C | 114 jobs Cloud | 112 jobs Java | 105 jobs Python | 105 jobs Computer Science | 103 jobs Agile | 91 jobs Clearance | 74 jobs Compliance | 70 jobs Linux | 58 jobs AWS | 53 jobs CI/CD | 52 jobs Docker | 50 jobs Oracle | 47 jobs Kubernetes | 46 jobs Scripting | 45 jobs DoD | 44 jobs APIs | 44 jobs Automation | 42 jobs SQL | 42 jobs DevOps | 38 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, Insurance 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 | 139 jobs Insurance | 83 jobs Health care | 75 jobs Flex hours | 64 jobs Competitive pay | 51 jobs Team events | 43 jobs Medical leave | 43 jobs Startup environment | 42 jobs Equity / stock options | 41 jobs Flex vacation | 38 jobs 401(k) matching | 32 jobs Parental leave | 31 jobs Salary bonus | 28 jobs Flexible spending account | 21 jobs Relocation support | 15 jobs Wellness | 10 jobs Fitness / gym | 6 jobs Travel | 5 jobs Conferences | 3 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

In the field of InfoSec/Cyber Security, the salary composition can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Generally, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which is the guaranteed annual income. This base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. In addition to the base salary, many companies offer performance-based bonuses, which can range from 5% to 20% of the base salary, depending on the company's profitability and the individual's performance.

Additional remuneration may include stock options or equity, especially in tech companies or startups, which can be a significant part of the compensation package. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off are also common. In regions with a high cost of living, such as the San Francisco Bay Area or New York City, salaries tend to be higher to compensate for the increased expenses. Similarly, larger companies or those in highly competitive industries like finance or technology may offer more lucrative compensation packages.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a position in InfoSec/Cyber Security, consider the following steps:

• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on niche areas within cybersecurity, such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or penetration testing, which are in high demand and can command higher salaries.
• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining advanced certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can enhance your credentials and make you eligible for higher-paying roles.
• Gain Leadership Experience: Transitioning into a managerial or leadership role can significantly increase your earning potential. Consider roles like Security Manager or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
• Network and Build Industry Connections: Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and engage with the cybersecurity community to learn about new opportunities and trends.
• Negotiate Effectively: When offered a new position or during performance reviews, be prepared to negotiate your salary and benefits package based on your skills, experience, and market rates.

Educational Requirements

Most positions in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cyber Security. Some roles may prefer or require a master's degree, particularly for senior or specialized positions. Relevant coursework in network security, cryptography, and information systems is highly beneficial. Additionally, practical experience gained through internships or cooperative education programs can be crucial in meeting educational requirements.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity field and can significantly enhance your qualifications. Some common and helpful certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

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

Required Experience

The usual experience required for a role in InfoSec/Cyber Security varies depending on the position level. Entry-level positions may require 1-3 years of experience in IT or a related field, while mid-level roles typically require 3-5 years of experience specifically in cybersecurity. Senior positions or specialized roles may demand 5-10 years of experience, along with proven expertise in specific areas such as network security, incident response, or risk management.

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