Average Software Developers Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Software Developers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, earn an impressive average annual salary of $135,620. This figure is slightly below the national average of $145,320, but the local economic landscape and demand for tech talent play a significant role in shaping compensation. The concentration of tech companies and the presence of major research institutions contribute to a competitive, albeit slightly lower, pay scale compared to the national benchmark.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $135,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $180,630.
- Outlook: The Raleigh-Cary tech job market for Software Developers is robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 12,290 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.58 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling strong demand and a thriving ecosystem for software engineering talent within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Software Developers in Raleigh-Cary, NC earns-6.7%below the national average.
$65.2
$2,608
$11,302
Software Developers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that Software Developer salaries in Raleigh-Cary have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing demand for specialized skills, advancements in technology, and the general economic climate likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for these professionals.
Software Developers Salary Distribution in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Salary progression for Software Developers in Raleigh-Cary, NC, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start in the lower percentiles, while senior and lead developers command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior compensation reflects the increasing value placed on expertise, problem-solving capabilities, and leadership within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $82,900 | $39.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $101,715 | $48.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $131,390 | $63.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $169,525 | $81.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $180,630 | $86.8 |
Detailed Software Developers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$135,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$135,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Software Developer salary of $135,620 in Raleigh-Cary, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard, offering a stable financial outlook for those considering a move to the area.
Job Market Context
12,290
Total Jobs
16.99
Per 1K Jobs
1.58
Location Quotient
Raleigh-Cary, NC has 1.6x the national concentration of Software Developers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.58, Raleigh-Cary, NC, demonstrates a market that is 58% more concentrated with Software Developers than the national average. This suggests a highly active and competitive job market, where opportunities are abundant, and employers actively seek skilled professionals, potentially leading to more specialized roles and career advancement options.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Developers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Software Developers Salary | $139,450↑ 3% | 18 mi |
| Rocky Mount, NC Software Developers Salary | $113,300↓ 16% | 48 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Software Developers Salary | $113,300↓ 16% | 49 mi |
| Burlington, NC Software Developers Salary | $115,880↓ 15% | 49 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Software Developers Salary | $119,770↓ 12% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Raleigh-Cary, NC
Hiring Software Developerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Developers make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median annual salary for a Software Developers in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $135,620. This typically ranges from $82,900 for entry-level positions to $180,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 6.7% lower than the national median of $145,320.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a lucrative place for Software Developers?
Yes, Raleigh-Cary, NC is a lucrative place for Software Developers.The area boasts a high concentration of Software Developer jobs (LQ of 1.58) and an average salary of $135,620, which is competitive given the national average cost of living.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a good place to live for Software Developers?
The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($139,450) and Rocky Mount, NC.
How does the Raleigh-Cary Software Developer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Software Developers in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $135,620, which is slightly lower than the national average of $145,320.
What is the job market like for Software Developers in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The job market is robust, with a significant local workforce and a higher-than-average concentration of Software Developer roles, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.58.
How does the cost of living in Raleigh-Cary, NC affect the Software Developer salary?
The cost of living in Raleigh-Cary, NC is at the national average (100), meaning the $135,620 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Are there many Software Developer jobs in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Yes, with 16.99 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 1.58, Raleigh-Cary, NC has a notably high concentration of Software Developer positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 12,290 employees in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area with a job density of 16.99 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Software Developers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Raleigh-Cary, NC