Software Developer Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
Designs, builds, and maintains software applications across web, mobile, and systems domains.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ranks #4 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software developer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $42,467 above the national average.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $117,749 | $75,282 | +$42,467 | +56.4% |
| Level II | $149,240 | $96,293 | +$52,947 | +55.0% |
| Level III (Mid) | $180,710 | $117,303 | +$63,407 | +54.1% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $212,202 | $138,313 | +$73,889 | +53.4% |
Other metros in Washington
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | $96,928 | $170,456 | $146,182 |
| Eastern Washington | $92,414 | $167,378 | $142,626 |
| Bellingham | $94,390 | $162,739 | $140,192 |
| Western Washington | $80,850 | $165,859 | $137,800 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $94,058 | $159,058 | $137,613 |
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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The average software developer salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is $181,043 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue at rank #4 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level software developers earn in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
Entry-level software developers (Level I) in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue earn $117,749 per year. Level II (early career) earns $149,240, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue compare to the national average for software developer salaries?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ranks #4 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software developer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $42,467 above the national average. The national average software developer salary is $117,513, while Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue workers average $181,043 — a difference of +54% 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.