Best States for Software Developers (Highest Paying)
Where you work changes software developer pay more than almost any other factor. California leads at $156,000 — roughly 18% above the national median of $132,000.
Top 10 highest paying states
Ranked by median annual salary for software developers:
- 1. California — $156,000 median
- 2. Washington — $148,000 median
- 3. Massachusetts — $138,000 median
- 4. New York — $132,000 median
- 5. Virginia — $128,000 median
- 6. Colorado — $126,000 median
- 7. Texas — $124,000 median
- 8. Illinois — $120,000 median
- 9. North Carolina — $112,000 median
- 10. Florida — $104,000 median
Why pay varies so much by state
Three things drive the spread: local demand, licensing rules and cost of labor. States with strict licensing and high demand tend to pay a premium because the supply of qualified workers is limited.
Metro areas inside a state can differ by another 15–25%, so treat state medians as a starting point rather than a guarantee.
Salary versus cost of living
High-paying coastal states usually carry high housing costs. A $156,000 salary in California can leave you with less disposable income than a mid-tier state paying $138,600.
Run the numbers on rent, state income tax and commute before you decide to relocate.
Frequently asked questions
Which state pays software developers the most?
California, with a median salary of $156,000 per year.
What is the average software developer salary in the US?
The national median is $132,000 per year.
See full software developer salary data
Compare pay by state and experience level with our software developer salary page or the salary calculator.