Software Developer Salary in Philadelphia, PA (2026)
Software developers design, build, and test computer programs and applications. Includes software engineers, full-stack developers, and back-end developers.
Median Annual Salary
$131,820
in Philadelphia · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$128,777
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#64
among cities with BLS data
Software Developers in Philadelphia
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Philadelphia, PA is $131,820 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $10,985/month or $63/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($135,190), Philadelphia pays 2% less than the typical city.
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102.4 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $131,820 in Philadelphia is equivalent to $128,777 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $97,510 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $73,980 |
| Electrician | $79,320 |
| Accountant | $96,390 |
Full cost of living profile for Philadelphia
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Philadelphia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Software Developer salary in Philadelphia?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Philadelphia, PA is $131,820 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Philadelphia Software Developer pay compare nationally?
Philadelphia Software Developer pay ($131,820) is 2% below the median across surveyed cities ($135,190).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in Philadelphia?
Yes. Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102.4 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $131,820 salary in Philadelphia has the purchasing power of approximately $128,777 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology