Web Developer vs Software Developer Salary
Side-by-side salary comparison for Web Developer and Software Developer — national medians, pay ranges, and city-by-city data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Software Developers earn more nationally
$133,080 median vs $90,930 — a $42,150/yr difference (46% higher)
Median Salary
$90,930
Salary Range
$48,560 – $162,870
10th–90th percentile
Median Salary
$133,080
Salary Range
$79,850 – $211,450
10th–90th percentile
Web Developer vs Software Developer Salary by City
| City | Web Developer | Software Developer |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $161,750 | $208,270 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $157,490 | $174,910 |
| Rochester, MN | $127,700 | $130,480 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $126,040 | $150,880 |
| Vallejo, CA | $123,370 | $134,570 |
| District of Columbia | $121,000 | $136,040 |
Green = higher-paying role in that city. Source: BLS OEWS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Web Developer or Software Developer pay more?▾
Software Developers earn more nationally, with a median salary of $133,080 versus $90,930 for Web Developer. That's a difference of about $42,150 per year.
What's the salary range for a Web Developer vs a Software Developer?▾
Web Developer salaries range from $48,560 (10th percentile) to $162,870 (90th percentile). Software Developer salaries range from $79,850 to $211,450.
Which career has more growth potential — Web Developer or Software Developer?▾
Salary growth depends on experience, specialization, location, and industry sector. Both roles show strong upper-quartile earnings. Check city-by-city data above — in some metros one role significantly outpaces the other, which often reflects local industry demand and competition.