What the numbers say
About 119,600 Software Developers worked in the New York City metro in 2024, making it one of the largest concentrations of the role in the country. The median annual wage was $161,970, roughly 17% above the national figure of $138,520.
The metro median and the New York state median are nearly identical: $161,970 versus $161,260. That means the city accounts for most of what the state number reflects. Developers outside New York City, in upstate metros and smaller markets, pull the state figure down only slightly.
One detail worth noting: the mean wage of $161,090 sits just below the median. That is unusual. In most large metros, a layer of very high earners pushes the average above the midpoint. Here the two figures are nearly the same, which suggests the wage distribution in New York City is fairly even across experience levels, without a small group of outliers driving the average up.
The spread from the 10th to 90th percentile runs from $97,420 to $220,780, a gap of about $123,000. Someone at the bottom of the range earns roughly 2.3 times less than someone at the top. That kind of spread is common in software roles and reflects real differences in seniority, specialization, and the type of employer, whether a startup, a bank, or a large tech company with offices in the metro.
Salary distribution
Where New York City software developers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $130,650 and $205,970, with a median of $166,830.
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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How the New York City metro compares to other major New York metro areas for software developers.
- Buffalo$127,850
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Software Developers in New York City, New York?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Software Developers in the New York City metropolitan area is $166,830.
- Does New York City pay more than the New York state average for Software Developers?
- The New York City metro median is +0.4% versus the New York state median of $166,180.
- How does New York City compare to the national median for Software Developers?
- The New York City metro median is +16.7% versus the BLS national figure of $142,947.
- What is the salary range for Software Developers in New York City?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $101,690 and the 90th-percentile at $224,590 for the New York City 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 New York City 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.