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The average software developer's salary is determined by several factors, including location and experience level in most sectors. Note that throughout this article all amounts we share are in USD.
According to U.S. News, the median annual compensation for software developer jobs in 2021 was $101,790. The lowest-paid quarter of the workforce earned $77,710, while the highest-paid quarter made $128,960. Overall, the starting salary in software development in 2023 is $47,060 in the United States of America (USA). In the USA, software engineers earn an average of $112,000 a year across all years of experience and locations.
Keep in mind that the salary in software development is rising every year due to the high demand for software engineers.
There are multiple in-demand tech skills that are linked to higher software engineer salaries. To create computer programs, software developers use a three step process of conception, design, and implementation. Some create new mobile and desktop programs, while others develop operating systems. Software developers discover and study user needs, create programs, test new software, and make changes. Software developers work in computer systems, manufacturing, finance, software publishing, and many other areas and collaborate closely with computer programmers.
Most technologies we take for granted are created by software developers. For instance, when you walk into the office, switch on your computer and click and scroll through your social media, music, or calendar - software developers shaped them all.
Throughout this article, we discuss starting salaries in software development and the various factors that affect them.
Every organization has its language, frameworks, and services, making it hard to study the skills required for a job. There are many fundamental abilities needed for entry-level software developer jobs. Many of these can be learned through self-instruction or a computer science degree. However, having the following skills is beneficial in general:
Soft talents like critical thinking, analytic thinking, problem-solving abilities, organizational skills, teamwork and collaboration, and time management are also important for software engineers.
Programming is often a problem-solving and troubleshooting exercise in and of itself. Software development aims to develop programs that address the user’s problems. You might be a good fit for a software development profession if you're the sort who likes to spot issues and figure out the best way to solve them.
Contrary to popular belief, software developers are not secluded at their desks with no communication with the outside world. In reality, they devote a significant amount of time to collaborating with other developers and programmers to build a superior product for the user. Therefore, it's essential to have excellent communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work well with people. Consequently, we recommend you check out this article on the top skills that every developer should master.
Coding and software development are enigmas in their own right, and if you enjoy solving puzzles by looking at both the broad picture and the tiny stages along the way, you'll enjoy producing software. These programs need a lot of effort and organization to put together. The world of software development will embrace you with open arms if you can find out the fastest or most efficient way from point A to point B. But, even if you do not have a technical background, you can learn how to kick start your journey in software development.
Your starting salary is highly dependent on your area of expertise. However, a good entry-level software engineer's starting salary in software development is $76,882. Know that this salary is more accurate for software engineers in the USA though.
If you’re looking to become a software developer, learning modern software development skills is essential. Today, learning options extend beyond a traditional classroom setting in this fast-paced and modern world.
There are free resources, such as FreeCodeCamp, that offers online education programs to help you learn software development. The online platform has several free courses and tutorials covering Javascript, Node.Js, Angular, HTML, CSS, SQL, MongoDB, etc.
It is critical to have the essential credentials when pursuing a career as a software developer since the future of software development is becoming increasingly more competitive. Extensive training will eventually equip you to work as a senior software developer, allowing you to earn a high-paying salary in software development. Applying to Microverse can be the first step in this direction.
As a software engineer, specializing in a niche with limited developers is an important strategy for boosting your value and salary. Even if you concentrate on a specific field, keeping your skillset adaptable and up-to-date is critical too, especially if you plan to switch jobs to earn higher pay. You should also remember that there is no straightforward formula for increasing your income.
However, there are a few strategies you can use to put yourself in a position to earn the most money as a developer in the long run. Following these three success tips might prove beneficial to your software development career.
A balance of hard and soft skills is required for software engineers. Software developers are responsible for not just outlining and generating the code and design for a program, but they also need a lot of communication amongst diverse stakeholders. However, even if a candidate has exceptional soft skills but only average technical skills, they will not be the first choice in a job interview. Higher software engineer incomes are primarily associated with experience in HTML & CSS, Ruby, Databases, JavaScript, React, and Redux along with strong proficiency in Data Structures and Algorithms.
As previously said, demographics play a significant role in determining the average software developer salary, along with other considerations. For example, in the USA in 2021, the monthly average wage for an entry-level software developer was $4,166 and in the United Kingdom (UK), it was reported to be $1,780 per month. Similarly, the lowest recorded salary was in Kenya and Mexico at $511 and $542 per month respectively.
It's not easy to find talented and experienced software developers. However, building and managing a software development team and helping them stay on top takes time, effort, and money. On the other hand, remote work has radically transformed the way companies operate.
Sourcing talent isn't restricted to your city when you have the correct tools at your disposal. In addition, HR executives may focus on global talent rather than hiring locally now that remote work is more common.
In the United States, the average income for remote software engineers is $121,138 per year, with salaries in software development ranging from $102,486 to $160,000. However, according to Terminal's State of Remote Engineering Report, 85% of software engineers work remotely, while only half of businesses provide remote solutions for their staff.
Further, even though 19% of software engineers were entirely remote before the pandemic, 80% of those polled preferred hybrid work alternatives, while 33% preferred to remain fully remote. If you wish to get a remote job, you can check these tips to help you get a remote job today.
Successful software engineering and development careers have varied stories that rarely follow a straight path. For example, you may manage teams for ten years before deciding to go freelance and provide advice. On the other hand, you might discover sooner than you imagined that you have a natural talent for motivating and encouraging others to achieve their best on the job and decide to pursue a career in management.
You won't go too far astray as long as a desire to learn and develop remains at the heart of your endeavours. Not to mention that bringing up your ongoing search for education during interviews is always a good talking topic. As a result, we'll move on to the most typical software engineer career path.
As a junior developer or associate engineer, you begin your career in software development. As a software engineer or developer, you'll probably spend your first few years honing your programming abilities, learning how to contribute to your team, and establishing good work habits.
A junior software engineer is generally be promoted to a senior software developer or engineer after five years of experience. This is where you'll determine which topics you want to specialize in and the career route you want to pursue (independent contributor vs. management).
Finally, after ten years or more of expertise in this profession, you will likely advance to the position of an executive software engineer (CTO, CIO, Chief Architect). You'll likely be doing more planning and management than day-to-day coding and project work once you reach this kind of position. Interacting with many individuals requires executive-level positions, including other executives, teams, and clients.
The USA has one of the highest average starting salaries for Software Developers. The starting salary reported as of 2023 was $95,879, the highest in the world.
With an average salary of $17,148, according to Glassdoor, Mexico is considered a great country for Software Developers considering the cost of living.
Similar to the USA, the UK has a high demand for software developers and has one of the highest salaries in the world. The latest reported salary in 2023 was $32,986 per year according to Glassdoor.
Argentina is a lower-paying country for software developers, due to the lower cost of living. According to Salary Explorer, the starting salary for software developers is relatively good, at $3,117 per year.
With an average software developer salary of $5,652, according to Payscale, Kenya may not be one of the highest paying countries in the world, but for its economy, it is one of the best paying jobs.
According to Glassdoor, entry-level software engineers in India can earn roughly $5,164 per year, which is considered very good for the country.
Choosing a career path is a big decision that can be tough. There's a lot to think about, whether you're just getting started in your career, or have been working in one area for an extended time and want to transfer. Salary is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a career path. A career in the exciting field of software development is not only exciting but also profitable. This article highlights several details about the average software developer's salary around the world.
Software developers of all types have a bright future ahead of them. Now you can better determine if you're suited to work in software development and what you can expect to make.
Microverse is an incredible learning platform for software engineers that centres around accountability, support, and community and is an excellent way to get started on your software development journey. Microverse students come from over 100 countries, allowing you to engage in a diverse and driven community and gain life-changing experiences. Microverse helps developers improve communication and develop essential team working skills while also focusing on the in-demand tech skills needed by software companies worldwide, so students can get a great job no matter where they live.
Check out Microverse to learn more about becoming a world-class software engineer while learning with a helpful online community. With Microverse, you will gain the skills needed to get hired. In addition, you will connect to life-changing opportunities and boost your salary as a software developer. What are you waiting for?
Ariel is the founder & CEO of Microverse, an online school for software engineers. Read more about Microverse and how it can help you.
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