Software Developer Salary Guide (2025)
Software developers use programming and creative skills to build software. Discover their earning potential and career prospects.
![[Featured image] A software developer in a blue sweater sits at a desk with a laptop, tablet, and stack of sticky notes.](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/1inlnneh1YuBGtaTinnpAv/49023d010e5e25fc1eb7acd107a5aea1/Screenshot_2023-10-16_at_12.10.33.jpg?w=1500&h=680&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive&auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=1000)
As the world becomes increasingly digitised, the demand for software developers is soaring. This surge can be attributed to the increasing reliance on technology across various sectors. Software applications, including websites and mobile apps, have become essential tools for businesses and consumers. Read on to discover a software developer's earning potential and career prospects.
professional certificate
IBM Full Stack Software Developer
Prepare for a career as a full stack developer. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from IBM.
4.6
Beginner level
Average time: 5 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Server Side, Node.JS, Data Import/Export, Cloud Computing Architecture, Full-Stack Web Development, Software Architecture, Flask (Web Framework), Responsive Web Design, Engineering Software, Prompt Engineering, Cloud Computing, Application Deployment, Software Development Life Cycle, Kubernetes, React Redux, Istio, Development Environment, Django (Web Framework), Git (Version Control System), Cloud Services, Application Programming Interface (API), Unit Testing, Python Programming, Artificial Intelligence, Style Guides, Programming Principles, Web Applications, Integrated Development Environments, Web Development, Docker (Software), Containerization, OpenShift, Command-Line Interface, Cloud-Native Computing, Microservices, Scalability, YAML, CI/CD, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Cloud Infrastructure, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Serverless Computing, DevOps, Cloud Storage, Cloud Security, Emerging Technologies, Cloud Hosting, Cloud Technologies, Cloud Development, Cloud Solutions, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Engineering, Cloud Management, Virtual Machines, Relational Databases, Authentications, Model View Controller, SQL, Object-Relational Mapping, Authorization (Computing), Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Databases, Database Design, UI Components, Cloud Applications, Content Management, Database Management, Application Development, GitHub, Collaborative Software, Version Control, Open Source Technology, Software Engineering, Software Development Tools, Software Documentation, Unified Modeling Language, Software Development Methodologies, Software Design Patterns, Systems Development, Agile Methodology, Program Development, Software Design, Web Scraping, Data Structures, Pandas (Python Package), NumPy, Computer Programming, Restful API, Automation, Data Analysis, Scripting, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Processing, Data Manipulation, JSON, Jupyter, API Gateway, IBM Cloud, Back-End Web Development, Software Development, React.js, Front-End Web Development, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Event-Driven Programming, JavaScript Frameworks, Javascript, Large Language Modeling, DevSecOps, Natural Language Processing, Generative AI, Code Review, Software Testing, Data Ethics, Test Automation, Application Security, User Accounts, HTML and CSS, Package and Software Management, Middleware, Computer Science, Web Servers, Browser Compatibility, Communication, Software Engineering Tools, Interviewing Skills, Verbal Communication Skills, Algorithms, Professional Development, Problem Solving, Relationship Building, Professionalism
What is a software developer?
While job duties for software developers vary depending on the business requirements of the organisation they work for, they design and build software applications. They also maintain and update existing code to ensure products work correctly and efficiently. Often, they work on a team with product managers, software engineers, and other programmers.
Explore the factors that affect a software developer salary, such as experience, job title, and industry.
professional certificate
IBM Full Stack Software Developer
Prepare for a career as a full stack developer. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from IBM.
4.6
Beginner level
Average time: 5 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Server Side, Node.JS, Data Import/Export, Cloud Computing Architecture, Full-Stack Web Development, Software Architecture, Flask (Web Framework), Responsive Web Design, Engineering Software, Prompt Engineering, Cloud Computing, Application Deployment, Software Development Life Cycle, Kubernetes, React Redux, Istio, Development Environment, Django (Web Framework), Git (Version Control System), Cloud Services, Application Programming Interface (API), Unit Testing, Python Programming, Artificial Intelligence, Style Guides, Programming Principles, Web Applications, Integrated Development Environments, Web Development, Docker (Software), Containerization, OpenShift, Command-Line Interface, Cloud-Native Computing, Microservices, Scalability, YAML, CI/CD, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Cloud Infrastructure, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Serverless Computing, DevOps, Cloud Storage, Cloud Security, Emerging Technologies, Cloud Hosting, Cloud Technologies, Cloud Development, Cloud Solutions, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Engineering, Cloud Management, Virtual Machines, Relational Databases, Authentications, Model View Controller, SQL, Object-Relational Mapping, Authorization (Computing), Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Databases, Database Design, UI Components, Cloud Applications, Content Management, Database Management, Application Development, GitHub, Collaborative Software, Version Control, Open Source Technology, Software Engineering, Software Development Tools, Software Documentation, Unified Modeling Language, Software Development Methodologies, Software Design Patterns, Systems Development, Agile Methodology, Program Development, Software Design, Web Scraping, Data Structures, Pandas (Python Package), NumPy, Computer Programming, Restful API, Automation, Data Analysis, Scripting, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Processing, Data Manipulation, JSON, Jupyter, API Gateway, IBM Cloud, Back-End Web Development, Software Development, React.js, Front-End Web Development, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Event-Driven Programming, JavaScript Frameworks, Javascript, Large Language Modeling, DevSecOps, Natural Language Processing, Generative AI, Code Review, Software Testing, Data Ethics, Test Automation, Application Security, User Accounts, HTML and CSS, Package and Software Management, Middleware, Computer Science, Web Servers, Browser Compatibility, Communication, Software Engineering Tools, Interviewing Skills, Verbal Communication Skills, Algorithms, Professional Development, Problem Solving, Relationship Building, Professionalism
Average software developer salary
In India, the average salary for software developers ranges from ₹6,10,000 to ₹8,00,000, according to leading job salary websites as of January 2025. The following table lists the average annual base salary from four job boards [1, 2, 3, 4]:.
| Glassdoor | Payscale | Talent.com | Indeed |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₹7,00,000 | ₹6,51,007 | ₹8,00,000 | ₹7,45,531 |
Factors that can influence average salary
The field of software development is vast. It includes many specialisations, such as application development, system software, programming software, and embedded software in hardware devices. Aside from specialised skills and expertise, several factors can affect your yearly salary as a software developer. You can learn more about each one in the following sections.
*Salary info below is sourced from Glassdoor in January 2025 unless otherwise noted. Figures represent the average annual base salary in India.
Level of experience
Typically, the more experience you have as a developer, the higher your salary range will be. Below is a breakdown of how much you could make as a software developer at each level of expertise.
0-1 year: ₹4,42,500
4-6 years: ₹9,00,000
10-14 years: ₹15,00,000
Job title
Software developer jobs vary greatly in title, responsibilities, and core compensation. Although people often use software developers and software engineers interchangeably, these roles are different. The following list outlines a few more job titles in this industry with their respective salaries.
Game developer: ₹6,00,000
Application developer: ₹9,00,000
Back-end developer: ₹7,50,000
Front-end developer: ₹5,00,000
Full-stack developer: ₹6,00,000
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Generative AI for Software Development
Leverage AI in your software development workflow. Learn practical prompt engineering and pair programming techniques with LLMs to write, test, and improve your code.
4.7
Beginner level
Average time: 1 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Code Review, ChatGPT, Software Engineering, Machine Learning, Software Design Patterns, Technical Documentation, Software Architecture, Database Design, System Design and Implementation, Large Language Modeling, Prompt Engineering, Collaborative Software, Software Documentation, Generative AI, Software Testing, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development, API Design, Dependency Analysis, Database Systems, Performance Tuning, Secure Coding, Application Programming Interface (API), Security Testing, Debugging, Maintainability, Software Development Tools, Software Development Methodologies, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Program Development
Location
Your location is also a determining factor in your earning potential as a software developer. For example, developers living in Bengaluru typically make more than those in Ahmedabad. Explore the software developer salary for many cities in India:
*All city salaries are annual average from Indeed as of January 2025.
Bengaluru: ₹8,85,214
Pune: ₹6,95,987
Chennai: ₹5,99,364
Gurgaon: ₹8,62,001
Noida: ₹5,07,779
Navi Mumbai: ₹5,92,609
Hyderabad: ₹7,57,388
Mumbai: ₹6,31,212
Ahmedabad: ₹5,36,086
Demand for developers
Software developers create the programs we use every day. Whether you’re playing the latest video game release, listening to music, or texting, you’re doing so because a software developer played a role in its design.
The increasing number of software products will present new opportunities for software developers. Consumer electronics and other products, like cell phones and appliances, are frequently integrated with computer systems. Due to concerns over cybersecurity threats, there may be more investment in security software to protect computer networks and electronic infrastructure.
Consider Coursera to build in-demand skills
Professional development is one of the most effective ways to secure a higher salary range. For example, consider supplementing your resume with Professional Certificates from industry leaders in the tech space. Meta offers several beginner-level programmes that grant credentials upon completion, such as the Meta Android Developer Professional Certificate and the Meta iOS Developer Professional Certificate.
You can also learn fundamental technical skills with Google by enrolling in its Crash Course on Python or earning the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. Learning in-demand programming languages can also set you apart from other applicants.
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IBM AI Engineering
Get job-ready as an AI engineer . Build the AI engineering skills and practical experience you need to catch the eye of an employer in less than 4 months. Power up your resume!
4.5
Intermediate level
Average time: 4 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Unsupervised Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning, Generative AI Agents, Large Language Modeling, Prompt Engineering, Keras (Neural Network Library), Regression Analysis, Generative AI, Deep Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, Natural Language Processing, Reinforcement Learning, Tensorflow, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Supervised Learning, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Data Science, OpenAI, Python Programming, User Interface (UI), Application Development, Data Import/Export, Database Management Systems, Data Storage Technologies, Data Processing, Software Development Life Cycle, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Feature Engineering, Computer Vision, Machine Learning Methods, Program Development, Process Driven Development, Network Architecture, Image Analysis, Network Model, Dimensionality Reduction, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Machine Learning Algorithms, Statistical Analysis, Predictive Modeling, Data Ethics, Text Mining, Statistical Methods, Semantic Web, Data Manipulation, Probability & Statistics, Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT, Performance Tuning, Data Pipelines, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Probability Distribution
In-demand programming languages
Programming languages are the backbone of software development. As a developer, you might only need to use one or two languages, but the more you master, the more competitive you’ll be in the job market. Take a look at some of the most common and sought-after languages.
Python
Python is an excellent language for beginners. It’s a beginner language that’s easy to understand. Often used for back-end web development, Python is one of the few programming languages with simple, easy-to-understand syntax rules, making it far easier to read than many other languages.
Java
Java is often confused with JavaScript. JavaScript is used to make web pages interactive. Java is a cross-platform program used to create interactive applications and browsers. It’s a complicated language to learn, but those with the skills are usually highly paid.
C / C++
C was one of the first programming languages created and remains a foundation for present-day languages. C is now more commonly used in hardware devices such as medical equipment and operating systems like Linux and Windows. C++ software developers often pick up other programming languages that rely on C’s core concepts quickly.
JavaScript
Interactive websites are exploding in popularity, and JavaScript is the programming language most used to give users that immersive, interactive experience. Unlike some programming languages, JavaScript will likely remain relevant far into the future as exciting new applications continue to be explored and a wide array of enterprises around the globe use the language.
Take the next step in your career with Coursera
Various factors affect your earning potential as a software developer. Explore them to make an informed decision about the industry you work in, where you work, and your skills. Consider learning how to master the software engineering interview with the University of California, San Diego. Consider expanding your developer skill set with IBM's Full-Stack Software Engineer Professional Certificate.
course
Mastering the Software Engineering Interview
You’ve hit a major milestone as a computer scientist and are becoming a capable programmer. You now know how to solve problems, write algorithms, and ...
4.6
Intermediate level
Average time: 21 hour(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Communication, Adaptability, Technical Communication, Growth Mindedness, Self-Awareness, Interpersonal Communications, Verbal Communication Skills, Software Engineering, Algorithms, Collaboration, Overcoming Obstacles, Problem Solving
professional certificate
IBM Full Stack Software Developer
Prepare for a career as a full stack developer. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from IBM.
4.6
Beginner level
Average time: 5 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Server Side, Node.JS, Data Import/Export, Cloud Computing Architecture, Full-Stack Web Development, Software Architecture, Flask (Web Framework), Responsive Web Design, Engineering Software, Prompt Engineering, Cloud Computing, Application Deployment, Software Development Life Cycle, Kubernetes, React Redux, Istio, Development Environment, Django (Web Framework), Git (Version Control System), Cloud Services, Application Programming Interface (API), Unit Testing, Python Programming, Artificial Intelligence, Style Guides, Programming Principles, Web Applications, Integrated Development Environments, Web Development, Docker (Software), Containerization, OpenShift, Command-Line Interface, Cloud-Native Computing, Microservices, Scalability, YAML, CI/CD, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Cloud Infrastructure, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Serverless Computing, DevOps, Cloud Storage, Cloud Security, Emerging Technologies, Cloud Hosting, Cloud Technologies, Cloud Development, Cloud Solutions, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Engineering, Cloud Management, Virtual Machines, Relational Databases, Authentications, Model View Controller, SQL, Object-Relational Mapping, Authorization (Computing), Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Databases, Database Design, UI Components, Cloud Applications, Content Management, Database Management, Application Development, GitHub, Collaborative Software, Version Control, Open Source Technology, Software Engineering, Software Development Tools, Software Documentation, Unified Modeling Language, Software Development Methodologies, Software Design Patterns, Systems Development, Agile Methodology, Program Development, Software Design, Web Scraping, Data Structures, Pandas (Python Package), NumPy, Computer Programming, Restful API, Automation, Data Analysis, Scripting, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Processing, Data Manipulation, JSON, Jupyter, API Gateway, IBM Cloud, Back-End Web Development, Software Development, React.js, Front-End Web Development, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Event-Driven Programming, JavaScript Frameworks, Javascript, Large Language Modeling, DevSecOps, Natural Language Processing, Generative AI, Code Review, Software Testing, Data Ethics, Test Automation, Application Security, User Accounts, HTML and CSS, Package and Software Management, Middleware, Computer Science, Web Servers, Browser Compatibility, Communication, Software Engineering Tools, Interviewing Skills, Verbal Communication Skills, Algorithms, Professional Development, Problem Solving, Relationship Building, Professionalism
Article sources
Glassdoor. “Software developer salary in India, https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/software-developer-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm.” Accessed 15 January 2025.
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