Computer Programmers vs Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Programmers professionals earn $98,670 more per year than Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers professionals.
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Programmers or Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $98,670 (null% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
What is the salary range for Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers?
Salary data for Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers is not currently available.
How many Computer Programmers and Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers positions and N/A Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers to Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 while Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers earns $0. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS