Software Developer Salary Guide (2025)

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. 

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. 

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]:. 

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

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.

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.