Software Engineering & Developer Salary Guide

So, you have big changes on the horizon — the prospect of a new career or a title change. We imagine you’re curious as to what jobs in the tech industry must pay. While there are plenty of jobs in the field and it takes hard work to achieve your career goals, the payoff is well worth the effort you put into your studies. The following highlights job descriptions and annual salaries of several of the most prominent jobs in the tech space.

Computer Programmer Salary

First up, we have the position of computer programmer. A computer programmer constructs code for operating systems and software applications. Once a software developer creates the blueprint for a computer program, the programmer writes code that transforms that blueprint into a set of instructions a computer can follow. From there, a series of tests are run to find issues with the code and rewrite it to ensure there are no remaining errors. Computer programmers continue monitoring programs currently in operations and make adjustments accordingly.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for computer programmers in 2020 (as of the end of 2021), came in at a reputable $89,190. The lowest 10% of computer programmers earned less than $51,440, and the highest 10% earned more than $146,050. While you shouldn’t expect to land a gig with a beginning annual salary of this amount, if you put the work in, you can reach a point in your career where these are attainable wages.

Software Developer Salary

Next up on the docket, we have the role of software developer. Software developers are highly highly-skilled and typically the architects behind the construction of software programs. They’re able to put their creative skills to work by identifying, retrieving, monitoring, and altering data to survey a system’s operational capacity and requirements. Further, they meet with clients to determine their needs, goals, and program usability. At the core of software development, you’ll find that software developers are what makes the heart of the computer program beat.

Another lucrative position in the tech arena, the average salary for a software developer was an average of $110,140 per year in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of the end of 2021). Because that figure represents median pay, it’s important to know that the lowest 10% earned less than $65,210, and the highest 10% earned more than $170,100. Software developers are highly sought after in the job market as the job openings for developers is expected to rise by 22% by 2030.

Web Developer Salary

The art of web development is brought to life by the incredible work of — you guessed it — web developers. They’re responsible for using their knowledge of programming skills to script and write code for web applications and websites. Additionally, a web developer performs routine audits and ongoing maintenance to preserve the functionality of the software. There are three types of web developers: frontend developers, backend developers, and full-stack developers, with each performing specialized roles in the overall creation of a website. If you enjoy problem solving and flexing your creativity muscles, becoming a web developer might just be the job for you.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that web developers earned an average of $77,200 per year in 2020 (as of the end of 2021). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,750, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $146,430. While becoming part of the top 10% takes experience and sharpened skills, the future is bright for aspiring web developers as the position is expected to grow by 13% by 2030. Along with web developers, these figures also represent that of a similar role: digital designers. With jobs in high demand and alluring salaries, becoming a web developer has never been a more sought-after career than it is today.

Software Engineer Salary

Software engineers are crucial to the development of software programs and products. They’re skilled in multiple programming languages, platforms, and software architectures. On any given day, a software engineer will do anything from writing and testing code to designing and maintaining entire software systems. Along with technical skills, they’re prone to assume project management roles, communicate directly with clients, and present new product features to stakeholders. Successful engineers fit the mold of a true “jack-of-all-trades.”

When it comes to wages, senior software engineers earn an average base salary of over $88,000, according to Payscale (as of the end of 2021). This figure represents the median annual salary of a software engineer, which ranges anywhere from $64,000 to $130,000.

Things to Know

Although the aforementioned salaries are appealing, the pay you can expect will vary according to the state you live in, the experience you possess, and any potential specializations you attain along the way. On top of attractive salaries, jobs in tech can come with excellent benefits, including perks like bonuses, stock options, health and dental insurance, and other forms of remuneration — at the discretion of your place of business.

Generally, tech professionals enter the field as a programmer, move into a developer’s role, and then advance into becoming an engineer, who typically has more theoretical knowledge and education. Subsequently, this pathway of growth can expand your earning potential. In more aspects than one, working in tech can provide a wonderfully comfortable and exciting life.

Let’s Chat!

If you’re ready to take the first step towards a fulfilling — and bankable — career, let Kenzie Academy be your guide. We offer several comprehensive programs that prepare you for the next chapter in your life. Contact us and get ready for a new and exciting adventure in the expanding tech arena! Now let’s get that application movin’!