Average Software Developers Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Software Developers in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area earn an average annual salary of $110,890. This figure is notably below the national average of $145,320, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different industry focus contribute to this compensation level. While the national average reflects broader market trends, regional economic factors often influence specific salary benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $110,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $165,590.
- Outlook: The Waterloo-Cedar Falls region supports a local workforce of 270 Software Developers, with 3.207 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 0.3 indicates that this profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average. While the absolute number of developers is modest, the jobs per 1,000 metric suggests a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Software Developers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-23.7%below the national average.
$53.3
$2,133
$9,241
Software Developers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Waterloo-Cedar Falls is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Software Developer salaries in the region have mirrored national trends over the past four years, experiencing gradual growth. Economic expansion, increasing demand for digital solutions, and the ongoing need for skilled tech professionals typically drive salary increases in this sector.
Software Developers Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Salary progression for Software Developers typically correlates strongly with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while mid-level and senior developers, possessing specialized skills and a proven track record, will see significant increases. The widening gap between entry-level and senior compensation reflects the value placed on expertise and leadership within the field, offering clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $62,880 | $30.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $83,168 | $40 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $102,510 | $49.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $138,613 | $66.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $165,590 | $79.6 |
Detailed Software Developers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$110,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$110,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Software Developer salary of $110,890 in Waterloo-Cedar Falls aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average for the profession, the cost of living parity ensures that the take-home pay maintains its value.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
3.207
Per 1K Jobs
0.3
Location Quotient
At 0.30x, Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has a notably lower concentration of Software Developers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.3, the Waterloo-Cedar Falls market for Software Developers is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that the demand for these professionals may be more niche or that the region relies more on external talent pools. While not a hub for this specific profession, the presence of 270 developers indicates an established, though not saturated, local market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Developers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Software Developers Salary | $116,360↑ 5% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $104,440↓ 6% | 55 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $111,230↑ 0% | 55 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $114,470↑ 3% | 55 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $110,080↓ 1% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Hiring Software Developerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Developers make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Software Developers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $110,890. This typically ranges from $62,880 for entry-level positions to $165,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 23.7% lower than the national median of $145,320.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a lucrative place for Software Developers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.While the average salary of $110,890 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $145,320. However, the cost of living being at the national average mitigates this difference significantly in terms of purchasing power.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Software Developers?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($116,360) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Software Developer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Software Developers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $110,890, which is approximately 24% lower than the national average of $145,320.
What is the Cost of Living in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated is the Software Developer job market in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.3. This indicates that Software Developers are not as prevalent in Waterloo-Cedar Falls relative to the national proportion of the workforce.
Are there many Software Developer jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
There are 3.207 Software Developer jobs per 1,000 workers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, indicating a moderate presence of these roles within the local job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 3.207 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA