Software Developer salary in Washington, DC
Median pay, Washington DC metro
$154,930/year
about $74.49 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $123,720 – $176,230
Half of software developers in the Washington DC metro area earn more than $154,930 a year and half earn less. That's 14% higher than the national median of $135,980, and ranks #9 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $96,450 | $46.37 |
| 25th | $123,720 | $59.48 |
| Median (50th) | $154,930 | $74.49 |
| 75th | $176,230 | $84.73 |
| 90th (top earners) | $213,660 | $102.72 |
*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 Washington DC metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $123,720 ($59.48/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $123,720 to $176,230 ($59.48 to $84.73/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $176,230 ($84.73/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, Washington DC metro. Occupation: Software Developers (SOC 15-1252). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.