What the numbers say
About 26,950 Software Developers work in the Phoenix metro, making it one of the larger concentrations of the role in the Southwest.
The median annual wage here was $129,600 in 2024. That sits just above the Arizona state median of $128,690, a gap of less than 1%. Both figures trail the national median of $138,520 by roughly $9,000, or about 6.5%. Phoenix pays close to the state average, but the whole state runs below the US figure for this occupation.
The spread within the metro tells a more varied story. Developers at the 10th percentile earned around $80,590, while those at the 90th brought in $182,450. That means top earners made about 2.3 times what entry-level peers did. A range that wide usually reflects real differences in seniority, sub-specialty, and the type of employer rather than noise in the data. The average wage of $134,730 also sits above the median, which tells us a smaller group of high earners pulls the average up.
Phoenix has grown as a secondary technology hub over the past decade, though the wage data puts it clearly behind coastal metros. For someone weighing relocation, the headline number is real but the national gap is also real.
Salary distribution
Where Phoenix software developers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $104,230 and $163,370, with a median of $131,750.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
Common tasks (O*NET)
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Explore coursesFrequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Software Developers in Phoenix, Arizona?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Software Developers in the Phoenix metropolitan area is $131,750.
- Does Phoenix pay more than the Arizona state average for Software Developers?
- The Phoenix metro median is +1.6% versus the Arizona state median of $129,690.
- How does Phoenix compare to the national median for Software Developers?
- The Phoenix metro median is -7.8% versus the BLS national figure of $142,947.
- What is the salary range for Software Developers in Phoenix?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $82,500 and the 90th-percentile at $180,460 for the Phoenix metro area.
- What education is required for Software Developers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Phoenix CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.