Software Developer Salary in Columbia
Designs, builds, and maintains software applications across web, mobile, and systems domains.
Columbia ranks #444 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software developer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $4,021 below the national average.
Columbia vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $71,261 | $75,282 | $-4,021 | -5.3% |
| Level II | $87,630 | $96,293 | $-8,663 | -9.0% |
| Level III (Mid) | $103,979 | $117,303 | $-13,324 | -11.4% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $120,349 | $138,313 | $-17,964 | -13.0% |
Other metros in Missouri
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Missouri | $58,677 | $128,440 | $105,414 |
| Southwest Missouri | $61,568 | $124,634 | $103,813 |
| Jefferson City | $62,150 | $122,637 | $102,669 |
| Central Missouri | $60,965 | $120,619 | $100,942 |
| Springfield | $59,238 | $119,267 | $99,466 |
Want to reach Level III or IV?
Follow the step-by-step roadmap to build the skills employers pay for.
View roadmap →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average software developer salary in Columbia?
The average software developer salary in Columbia is $104,146 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Columbia at rank #444 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level software developers earn in Columbia?
Entry-level software developers (Level I) in Columbia earn $71,261 per year. Level II (early career) earns $87,630, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Columbia compare to the national average for software developer salaries?
Columbia ranks #444 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software developer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $4,021 below the national average. The national average software developer salary is $117,513, while Columbia workers average $104,146 — a difference of -11% overall.
Data source: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers nationwide to collect wage data by occupation and geography. The four experience levels reflect DOL standardized tiers. Data reflects the most recently published survey cycle. SOC code: 15-1252.