Software Developer salary in Seattle, WA
Median pay, Seattle metro
$167,280/year
about $80.42 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $132,800 – $211,860
Half of software developers in the Seattle metro area earn more than $167,280 a year and half earn less. That's 23% higher than the national median of $135,980, and ranks #3 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $99,190 | $47.69 |
| 25th | $132,800 | $63.85 |
| Median (50th) | $167,280 | $80.42 |
| 75th | $211,860 | $101.86 |
| 90th (top earners) | $257,960 | $124.02 |
*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 Seattle metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $132,800 ($63.85/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $132,800 to $211,860 ($63.85 to $101.86/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $211,860 ($101.86/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, Seattle metro. Occupation: Software Developers (SOC 15-1252). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.