North Carolina ranks 13th of 51 states and D.C. for software developers pay, trailing top-paying California ($170,910) by $39,910 — a 30% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $79,620 to $173,660 — a $94,040 spread, 29% tighter than the national $131,600 range.
North Carolina employs roughly 3.5% of all software developers in the country (57,590 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $79,620 | $38.28 |
| 25th percentile | $102,430 | $49.25 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $131,000 | $62.98 |
| 75th percentile | $158,940 | $76.41 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $173,660 | $83.49 |
| Mean (average) | $131,780 | $63.35 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $131,000 | n/a |
| California | $170,910 | +30% |
| Washington | $166,910 | +27% |
| New York | $161,260 | +23% |
| Massachusetts | $150,520 | +15% |
| Maryland | $137,890 | +5% |
| District of Columbia | $136,040 | +4% |
| Oregon | $135,260 | +3% |
| Delaware | $135,160 | +3% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Database Architects | $130,560 | 4,060 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $131,600 | 1,250 |
| Purchasing Managers | $130,170 | 2,680 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $130,110 | 10,530 |
| Managers, All Other | $131,990 | 21,150 |
| Physician Assistants | $128,540 | 8,520 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Developers salary in North Carolina?
The mean software developers salary in North Carolina is $131,780 per year. The median (middle) salary is $131,000 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Software Developers in North Carolina?
Entry-level software developerss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $79,620 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $102,430 per year.
What is the highest Software Developers salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $173,660 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $158,940 per year.
How does the North Carolina Software Developers salary compare to the national average?
The median software developers salary in North Carolina is $131,000, which is -2% below national average of $133,080.