Software Developer Salary in Arlington, VA (2026)
Software developers design, build, and test computer programs and applications. Includes software engineers, full-stack developers, and back-end developers.
Median Annual Salary
$151,000
in Arlington · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$137,845
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#26
among cities with BLS data
Software Developers in Arlington
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Arlington, VA is $151,000 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $12,583/month or $73/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($135,190), Arlington pays 12% more than the typical city.
Arlington has a cost of living index of 109.5 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $151,000 in Arlington is equivalent to $137,845 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Arlington metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Software Developers by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $187,840 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $187,840 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $187,840 |
| 4 | Boulder, CO | $186,270 |
| 5 | Bellevue, WA | $181,040 |
| 6 | Tacoma, WA | $181,040 |
| 7 | Seattle, WA | $181,040 |
| 8 | Titusville, FL | $175,170 |
| 9 | Palm Bay, FL | $175,170 |
| 10 | Melbourne, FL | $175,170 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Arlington
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $102,510 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,790 |
| Electrician | $78,580 |
| Accountant | $108,670 |
Full cost of living profile for Arlington
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Arlington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Software Developer salary in Arlington?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Arlington, VA is $151,000 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Arlington Software Developer pay compare nationally?
Arlington Software Developer pay ($151,000) is 12% above the median across surveyed cities ($135,190).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in Arlington?
Yes. Arlington has a cost of living index of 109.5 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $151,000 salary in Arlington has the purchasing power of approximately $137,845 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology