Software and Web Developers, Programmers, and Testers earn $132,150 median salary
The median salary for Software and Web Developers, Programmers, and Testers is $132,150 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's a mean wage of $139,850, or roughly $64 an hour. The top 10% earn over $211,890, while the bottom 10% make $76,320 or less. With 2,150,380 people employed in these roles, it's one of the largest and highest-paid tech occupations.
How much Software and Web Developers, Programmers, and Testers earn
The median annual wage for this broad occupation group is $132,150. Half of workers earn between $76,320 (10th percentile) and $211,890 (90th percentile). Pay varies by experience, industry, and location.
These figures are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Because this group includes multiple roles—developers, programmers, and testers—salaries can differ significantly within the category.
Pay by state
State-level data for this specific O*NET occupation group is not available in the standard BLS release. However, related detailed occupations (like Software Developers) show highest pay in California, Washington, and New York, and lowest in states like Mississippi and West Virginia.
How to become a Software and Web Developer, Programmer, or Tester
Most workers enter with a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Some roles require only an associate degree or coding bootcamp, especially for web development.
Certifications can help—like AWS Certified Developer or CompTIA Security+—but are not mandatory. Experience with programming languages (Python, Java, JavaScript) and frameworks is critical. Many start as interns or junior developers.
Job outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish a specific growth projection for the combined group 'Software and Web Developers, Programmers, and Testers.' However, for Software Developers (the largest component), employment is projected to grow 25% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average. Demand remains strong as technology becomes more integrated into every industry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for Software and Web Developers, Programmers, and Testers?
The median annual salary is $132,150, according to the BLS.
What is the typical salary range for this occupation?
The range from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,320 to $211,890.
How many people work in this occupation?
There are 2,150,380 employed in Software and Web Developers, Programmers, and Testers as of May 2023.
What education is needed to become a software developer or tester?
A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field is typical, though bootcamps or associate degrees can suffice for web development roles.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Software and Web Developers, Programmers, and Testers data.