Software Developer Salary in Seattle, WA (2026)
Software developers design, build, and test computer programs and applications. Includes software engineers, full-stack developers, and back-end developers.
Median Annual Salary
$181,040
in Seattle · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$160,595
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#7
among cities with BLS data
Software Developers in Seattle
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Seattle, WA is $181,040 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $15,087/month or $87/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($135,190), Seattle pays 34% more than the typical city.
Seattle has a cost of living index of 112.7 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $181,040 in Seattle is equivalent to $160,595 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 Seattle 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, WAYou are here | $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 Seattle
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $120,260 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $97,740 |
| Electrician | $100,230 |
| Accountant | $106,100 |
Full cost of living profile for Seattle
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Seattle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Software Developer salary in Seattle?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Seattle, WA is $181,040 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Seattle Software Developer pay compare nationally?
Seattle Software Developer pay ($181,040) is 34% above the median across surveyed cities ($135,190).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in Seattle?
Yes. Seattle has a cost of living index of 112.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $181,040 salary in Seattle has the purchasing power of approximately $160,595 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology