Software Developer salary in Denver, CO
Median pay, Denver metro
$137,610/year
about $66.16 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $123,640 – $171,350
Half of software developers in the Denver metro area earn more than $137,610 a year and half earn less. That's 1% higher than the national median of $135,980, and ranks #12 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $99,700 | $47.93 |
| 25th | $123,640 | $59.44 |
| Median (50th) | $137,610 | $66.16 |
| 75th | $171,350 | $82.38 |
| 90th (top earners) | $209,300 | $100.63 |
*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 Denver metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $123,640 ($59.44/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $123,640 to $171,350 ($59.44 to $82.38/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $171,350 ($82.38/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, Denver metro. Occupation: Software Developers (SOC 15-1252). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.