Software Developer Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria
Designs, builds, and maintains software applications across web, mobile, and systems domains.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria ranks #18 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software developer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $26,139 above the national average.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $101,421 | $75,282 | +$26,139 | +34.7% |
| Level II | $126,090 | $96,293 | +$29,797 | +30.9% |
| Level III (Mid) | $150,758 | $117,303 | +$33,455 | +28.5% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $175,427 | $138,313 | +$37,114 | +26.8% |
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What is the average software developer salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
The average software developer salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $151,008 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Washington-Arlington-Alexandria at rank #18 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level software developers earn in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Entry-level software developers (Level I) in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria earn $101,421 per year. Level II (early career) earns $126,090, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Washington-Arlington-Alexandria compare to the national average for software developer salaries?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria ranks #18 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software developer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $26,139 above the national average. The national average software developer salary is $117,513, while Washington-Arlington-Alexandria workers average $151,008 — a difference of +29% 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.