The salary of a Software Development Director in the United States varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, marketing trend and company sizes.
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Software Development Director in the United States is $212,933. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $179,710 to a high of $245,812, with most professionals earning between $195,543 and $230,143.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $230,143 | $19,179 | $4,426 | $111 |
| Average | $212,933 | $17,744 | $4,095 | $102 |
| 25th Percentile | $195,543 | $16,295 | $3,760 | $94 |
An entry-level Software Development Director with less than 1 year of experience earns about $202,311. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $203,869. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $205,945. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $208,541, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $211,136.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Software Development Director | $202,311 |
| Intermediate Level Software Development Director | $203,869 |
| Senior Level Software Development Director | $205,945 |
| Specialist Level Software Development Director | $208,541 |
| Expert Level Software Development Director | $211,136 |
| Entry Level | 5% |
| Mid Level | 4% |
| Senior Level | 3% |
| Top Level | 2% |
| Experienced | 1% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Software Development Director compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $200,639 in 2023 to approximately $198,840 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Software Development Director salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Software Development Director information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Software Development Director job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Software Development Director and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $212,933 | 74.5% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $13,541 | 4.7% | ||
| 401K/403B | $8,943 | 3.1% | ||
| Disability | $4,259 | 1.5% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 2.9% | ||
| Pension | $11,498 | 4.0% | ||
| Time Off | $26,207 | 9.2% | ||
| Total Compensation | $285,733 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 3.5% |
| Associates | 1.3% |
| Bachelors | 44.2% |
| Masters | 43.9% |
| Doctorate | 6.6% |
What Am I Worth?
Directors in software development can expect competitive salaries. Based on current data, the minimum salary is approximately $199,963, with a mid-range salary of around $219,493, and a maximum salary reaching up to $245,013. This reflects the high demand and specialized skills required in the tech industry.
Yes, software developers can definitely make $200k. In fact, the salary data for a Software Development Director shows a minimum salary of $199,963, a mid-range salary of $219,493, and a maximum salary of $245,013. This reflects the high demand and investment in tech talent, especially in the US, where companies are willing to pay top dollar for skilled professionals.
To become a software development director, you need a solid background in software development, ideally with a degree in computer science or a related field. Experience in leading software projects and teams is essential. The salary range for this role typically falls between $199,963 and $245,013, with a mid-salary of $219,493, reflecting the importance of leadership and technical expertise in this position.
The highest salary for a Software Development Director is approximately $245,013 per year. Salary estimates indicate a range from a minimum of $199,963 to a midpoint of $219,493, reflecting the competitive compensation for this role in the industry.
The highest salary for a Software Development Director is $245,013 annually. The average salary in this role is approximately $219,493, while the minimum salary starts at $199,963. This data reflects the competitive compensation for IT leadership positions in the industry.
As of now, a Director of Software Engineering in the United States can expect to earn between $199,963 and $245,013 annually, with a median salary of approximately $219,493. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities associated with the role.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
