How Much Will Software Developers Earn in 2025?

Software developers are increasingly in demand, and this trend seems likely to keep growing. Around the world, more and more companies require their services. Why? Because the world is becoming more digitalized. Since they are so sought after, this affects the monetary value of their work. However, there is one undeniable reality: a software developer salary varies worldwide depending on several influencing factors such as economic, social, and cultural conditions.

Knowing the average salary in the tech industry is always important for developers when deciding whether to accept a project or not. Companies aim to hire software developers with the highest quality and professionalism, but are they willing to pay what they’re truly worth?

What do software developers do?

A software developer is a professional dedicated to creating software and applications that help companies optimize their processes and improve operational efficiency. Their work includes the design, development, and maintenance of programs and operating systems.

Although they are often confused with software programmers, developers have a broader role that encompasses the entire development process, from planning to implementation and testing of the software.

The responsibilities of a software developer are varied and depend on the type of project they’re working on. Some specific tasks include:

• Creating software by writing code and conducting tests to ensure it works correctly.

• Collaborating with clients to translate their requirements into effective solutions.

• Designing systems and mapping out applications using flowcharts and diagrams that detail each phase of the development process.

• Updating and repairing existing software, ensuring system stability.

• Constant communication with management and development teams through meetings and progress reports.

How much do software developers make?

When discussing salaries, it’s crucial to refer to the wages paid in the United States, as it is the country offering the highest salaries for developers, even surpassing European countries. It’s no secret that the IT sector is one of the best-paid industries in the world, making it an attractive option for millions of young people starting their professional careers.

It’s important to note that the figures presented are not 100% precise and are adjusted based on certain factors, such as the city where the company is located, the level of experience (junior or senior), educational background, programming languages mastered, and the size of the company.

Not all programming languages offer the same pay, which is influenced by demand, specific use cases, code complexity, and other key factors that are essential to understand as one delves deeper into this field. Moreover, when applying for a new job, the salary offer will not be the same if starting at a new startup compared to a giant like Apple or Google.

It’s essential to understand the reasons behind the dollar-based salary differences for programmers. This information provides a reference point for professionals considering further education, updating their skills, and directing their job search toward better-paying opportunities. One advantage of these roles is that many job offers are remote, eliminating the need for relocation.

How much will software developers earn in 2025?

At the moment, there is no specific number for how much a software developer will earn in 2025. However, it is estimated that the base should be the salaries in 2024. Considering that it is a profession that will continue to grow and increase in demand, fees should rise, even if only by a small percentage, in the coming year.

It’s also important to understand that more people will be inclined to study and professionalize in this career, leading to much fiercer competition for available positions. This brings up another key point: how can we stay relevant in the market and secure a spot in job searches?

What does the demand for “future careers” depend on?

Those choosing their first career or looking to make a career change must consider that demand largely depends on the relevance, areas of specialization, and speed of updating within their chosen field.

Relevance

Relevance refers to how necessary professionals in a certain field will be. Careers like software development are increasingly in demand as the need for programming permeates all industry sectors and multiple aspects of daily life. This growing demand for professionals allows developers to apply to hundreds of job openings daily.

Specialization

Just as medicine now has dozens of areas of specialization, the same happens with other disciplines like programming, telecommunications, robotics, marketing, audiovisual media, and more. The more areas of specialization a career has, the more varied and flexible the job opportunities.

Likewise, numerous specializations provide a good guarantee since, if one of them becomes obsolete, it’s easier to “pivot” to another within the same discipline rather than undergo a complete career change.

Updating

This refers to how frequently the "rules of the game" change within a profession. For example, software developers must continuously adapt to technological changes, which are becoming faster and more innovative.

A career that is constantly updating means that professionals will need to spend more time on continuous training. However, it also means the field remains highly relevant and offers better opportunities to stand out.

Soft and cognitive skills

The growing demand for specific soft skills such as self-management, leadership, and digital communication will continue to rise. This shift is driven by the transition from traditional in-person office interactions to virtual environments, which require the ability to recognize new social cues and use new media effectively.

On the other hand, the need for certain key cognitive skills, such as creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to process complex information for better business decision-making, is expected to increase by approximately 20%.

Software development: a career of the future

Initially, software was a technical matter limited to computers and automated machines. Over time, it became part of almost every work tool, phone, camera, social interaction, entertainment method, and even household appliances.

Mobile applications, websites, computer programs, smart devices, advanced statistical systems, and the machine a doctor uses for an ultrasound—all of these have a specialized software developer behind them. In the future, more and more objects and traditionally "analog" activities will have a direct relationship with digital technology.

We are moving toward a future where everything will depend on technology, meaning everything will require experts in the field. Society is advancing toward an almost absolute digitalization, which will benefit software development professionals as they will be able to negotiate better salaries amid much greater demand than supply.