Software Developer salary in Charlotte, NC
Median pay, Charlotte metro
$135,920/year
about $65.35 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $107,680 – $165,050
Half of software developers in the Charlotte metro area earn more than $135,920 a year and half earn less. That's about the same as the national median of $135,980, and ranks #13 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $93,690 | $45.04 |
| 25th | $107,680 | $51.77 |
| Median (50th) | $135,920 | $65.35 |
| 75th | $165,050 | $79.35 |
| 90th (top earners) | $172,360 | $82.87 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a software developer job in the Charlotte metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $107,680 ($51.77/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $107,680 to $165,050 ($51.77 to $79.35/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $165,050 ($79.35/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Total pay at larger companies often includes stock and bonuses, so compare total compensation, not just salary.
- A fully remote role is usually priced against national pay, while on-site roles in big tech hubs tend to pay more.
- On-call rotations are common. Ask how often and whether they come with extra pay or time off.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Charlotte metro. Occupation: Software Developers (SOC 15-1252). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.