Average Software Developers Salary in Wilmington, NC
Software Developers in Wilmington, NC earn an average annual salary of $121,190. This figure is notably below the national average of $145,320, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different industry focus influence compensation in this coastal city. Factors such as the specific demand for tech talent within Wilmington's primary economic sectors play a crucial role in shaping these salary levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $121,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $164,670.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC supports a local workforce of approximately 800 Software Developers. With a Location Quotient of 0.4, the concentration of these roles is less than half the national average, indicating a less saturated market compared to national hubs. While the absolute number of developers is modest, the lower concentration suggests that opportunities may exist for skilled professionals, though the overall demand might be more specialized.
Salary Overview
The average Software Developers in Wilmington, NC earns-16.6%below the national average.
$58.3
$2,331
$10,099
Software Developers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington's Software Developer salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, increasing reliance on technology across industries, and a competitive talent landscape typically drive salary increases for skilled tech professionals. Therefore, Software Developers in Wilmington likely have experienced moderate salary growth over the last four years.
Software Developers Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Salary progression for Software Developers in Wilmington, NC, like elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while mid-level developers see a significant increase. Senior developers, possessing extensive expertise and often leadership capabilities, can expect to earn substantially more, with the gap between entry-level and senior roles reflecting the value placed on experience and advanced technical proficiency within the local market.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $70,360 | $33.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $90,893 | $43.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $120,240 | $57.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $151,488 | $72.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $164,670 | $79.2 |
Detailed Software Developers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$121,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$121,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Software Developer salary of $121,190 in Wilmington, NC aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average for the role, the cost of living being on par suggests that the take-home pay in Wilmington may offer a comparable lifestyle to other areas, without the premium often associated with higher-cost regions.
Job Market Context
800
Total Jobs
4.263
Per 1K Jobs
0.4
Location Quotient
At 0.40x, Wilmington, NC has a notably lower concentration of Software Developers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.4 for Software Developers in Wilmington, NC indicates that the concentration of these professionals is significantly lower than the national average. This suggests that the job market is not as saturated with tech talent as in major tech hubs. While this might imply fewer overall job openings compared to larger cities, it could also mean less competition for available positions, potentially benefiting experienced developers seeking opportunities in a less crowded field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Developers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Software Developers Salary | $121,320↑ 0% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Software Developers Salary | $108,460↓ 11% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Software Developers Salary | $113,300↓ 7% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Software Developers Salary | $119,770↓ 1% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Software Developers Salary | $113,070↓ 7% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Developers make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Software Developers in Wilmington, NC is $121,190. This typically ranges from $70,360 for entry-level positions to $164,670 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 16.6% lower than the national median of $145,320.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Software Developers?
No, not compared to the national average.While the average salary of $121,190 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $145,320 for Software Developers. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the salary's purchasing power is equivalent.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Software Developers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($121,320) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's Software Developer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Software Developers in Wilmington, NC is $121,190, which is approximately 16.6% lower than the national average of $145,320.
What is the concentration of Software Developers in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington, NC has a concentration of Software Developers represented by a Location Quotient of 0.4, meaning it is less than half as concentrated as the national average.
How does the cost of living in Wilmington, NC affect the salary?
Wilmington's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $121,190 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary for the role.
What does the job market look like for Software Developers in Wilmington, NC?
With a lower concentration of developers (LQ of 0.4) and a local workforce of 800, the market is less saturated than national averages, potentially offering less competition for skilled professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 800 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 4.263 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 Wilmington, NC