{"id":7863,"date":"2023-09-13T17:36:38","date_gmt":"2023-09-13T17:36:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/?p=7863"},"modified":"2023-09-13T18:11:08","modified_gmt":"2023-09-13T18:11:08","slug":"careers-security-software-developer-career-and-salary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/careers\/security-software-developer\/career-and-salary\/","title":{"rendered":"Salary and Job Outlook for Security Software Developers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Security software developers prevent unwanted access of private data. This essential cybersecurity role usually requires a bachelor's degree in computer science and specialized security developer skills.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>This page covers the duties and importance of security software developers and the impact that location, industry, and experience can have on salary.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2>What Does a Security Software Developer Do?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<p>Security software developers create software and systems that protect organizations' data. These developers work with programming teams to create products or make security updates to existing applications. Professionals in this field know multiple <a href=\"\/resources\/cybersecurity-programming-languages\">programming languages<\/a>, such as C++, Python, and Java.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>Every industry needs workers with <a href=\"\/jobs\/security-software-developer\/\">security software expertise<\/a>: Companies, governments, and nonprofit entities all have data that require safeguarding, and malicious actors can use a variety of tools to gain access to that secure information. Security experts aim to prevent data theft, viruses, phishing attempts, and more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"grid md:grid-cols-2 lg:grid-cols-3 gap-5 my-8\"> \n  \r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/careers\/security-software-developer\/day-in-the-life\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">What is a typical day for a security software developer?<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/jobs\/security-software-developer\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Learn more about security software developer<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/resources\/security-clearances\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Do you need security clearance for this role?<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<\/div>\n\r\n\r\n<section class=\"-mx-4 md:-mx-1\/2vw py-12 md:py-16 mt-12 md:my-16 relative md:left-1\/2 md:right-1\/2 md:w-screen bg-gray-50\">\n    <div class=\"container content\">\n        \r\n<h2>Popular Online Programs<\/h2>\r\n<p>Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.<\/p>\r\n<sonic-editorial-listings limit=\"3\"><\/sonic-editorial-listings>\r\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\r\n\r\n<h2>How Much Can You Earn as a Security Software Developer?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes151252.htm#st\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> (BLS), the average salary for security software developers was $132,930 in 2022. Experience, location, and employing industry can impact earning potential. For example, software developers working in the manufacturing industry earned a higher median salary than their counterparts in the computer systems design industry.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>Below, we explore how various factors shift salary expectations for security software developers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"text-center border-thin bg-secondary-light\" style=\"max-width: fit-content; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0 100px 0 100px;\">\r\n    <p><span class=\"heading-1\">$132,930<\/span><br>\r\n        <p>Average Annual Salary of Software Developers, 2022<\/p>\r\n        <p><em><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes151252.htm#st\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BLS<\/a><\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\n        \n  \n  <a class=\"subnav-waypoint\" name=\"salary-by-experience\" id=\"salary-by-experience\"><\/a>\n\n\r\n<h3>Security Software Developer Salary by Experience<\/h3>\r\n\r\n<p>An individual's experience often affects their salary. Because <a href=\"\/jobs\/\">experienced professionals<\/a> have acquired advanced skills and specialized their knowledge during their careers, they often earn higher wages than their coworkers with fewer years on the job.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>The table below uses Payscale data to quantify average base salaries for software developers with varying levels of experience. The data reveals an upward trend for average wages that correlates with years on the job. We reference Payscale's broader software developer career category instead of security software developer due to data availability.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"everviz-_pJgzv_xm\" class=\"everviz-_pJgzv_xm\"><script src=\"https:\/\/app.everviz.com\/inject\/_pJgzv_xm\/?v=3\" defer=\"defer\"><\/script><\/div>\r\n\r\n\n        \n  \n  <a class=\"subnav-waypoint\" name=\"salary-by-education\" id=\"salary-by-education\"><\/a>\n\n\r\n<h3>Security Software Developer Salary by Education<\/h3>\r\n\r\n<p>Prospective security software developers can <a href=\"\/careers\/security-software-developer\/how-to-become\/\">pursue various degrees<\/a> to qualify for work in this field. Computer science and related majors can help students learn the necessary skills to start working as a security software developer. Colleges and universities offer relevant educational credentials across degree levels, including associate, bachelor's, and master's programs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>The average salaries below represent data for all graduates with these degrees, not just security software developers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div id=\"everviz-MvIXntbhx\" class=\"everviz-MvIXntbhx\"><script src=\"https:\/\/app.everviz.com\/inject\/MvIXntbhx\/?v=3\" defer=\"defer\"><\/script><\/div>\r\n\r\n<p>Computer science specialists see an increase in average salary as education level advances. However, the difference between the average salary for a bachelor's of engineering in <a href=\"\/listings\/computer-science\/best-programs\/\">computer science degree-holder<\/a> and master of computer science degree-holder is only a 3.7% increase.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thus, though earning a master's degree can help graduates qualify for upper-level careers, the average salaries above indicate that these roles may not correlate with higher earning potential.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h3>Discover Which Education Path Is Right for You<\/h3>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"grid md:grid-cols-2 lg:grid-cols-3 gap-5 my-8\"> \n  \r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/listings\/computer-science\/best-programs\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Computer Science Degree Programs<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/listings\/software-engineering\/best-programs\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Software Engineering Degree Programs<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/listings\/bachelors-degrees\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Bachelor&rsquo;s in Cybersecurity Programs<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/listings\/masters-degrees\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Master's in Cybersecurity Programs<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/listings\/cybersecurity-engineering-masters\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Master's in Cybersecurity Engineering<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/listings\/cyber-security-bootcamps\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Cybersecurity Bootcamps<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\n<\/div>\n\r\n\r\n\n        \n  \n  <a class=\"subnav-waypoint\" name=\"salary-by-location\" id=\"salary-by-location\"><\/a>\n\n\r\n<h3>Security Software Developer Salary by Location<\/h3>\r\n\r\n<p>Security software developers salaries also vary by location. States and metropolitan areas have different costs of living, which can affect salaries, as more expensive regions tend to offer higher salaries. Other factors like population density and job demand can also impact income.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>The tables below use data for the general software developer category.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"sonic-table shadow-lg\">\r\n<caption>Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for Software Developers, 2022<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Metropolitan Area<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Average Annual Salary<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Percent Above the National Average<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>$234,540<\/td>\r\n<td>76.4%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>$181,620<\/td>\r\n<td>36.6%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Boulder, CO<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>$169,750<\/td>\r\n<td>27.7%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>$155,680<\/td>\r\n<td>17.1%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>$155,200<\/td>\r\n<td>16.8%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n<figcaption class=\"text-sm\" style=\"font-style: normal; margin-top: -10px;\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes151252.htm#(8)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BLS<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n\r\n<p>San Jose and San Francisco offer the highest average salaries for security developers, though California has one of the highest costs of living in the U.S., according to <a href=\"https:\/\/worldpopulationreview.com\/state-rankings\/cost-of-living-index-by-state\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World Population Review<\/a>. Though these salaries are higher than national averages &mdash; more than 75% higher in the case of San Jose &mdash; the increased expense of essentials like rent and groceries may mean lower purchasing power for these higher-than-average wages.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"sonic-table shadow-lg\">\r\n<caption>Top-Paying States for Software Developers, 2022<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">State<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Number of Security Software Developers Employed<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Average Annual Salary<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\"><a href=\"\/listings\/california\/\">California<\/a><\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>258,170<\/td>\r\n<td>$182,570<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\"><a href=\"\/listings\/washington\/\">Washington<\/a><\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>91,200<\/td>\r\n<td>$152,010<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\"><a href=\"\/listings\/rhode-island\/\">Rhode Island<\/a><\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>N\/A<\/td>\r\n<td>$147,030<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\"><a href=\"\/listings\/new-york\/\">New York<\/a><\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>92,040<\/td>\r\n<td>$141,130<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\"><a href=\"\/listings\/alaska\/\">Alaska<\/a><\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>390<\/td>\r\n<td>$137,940<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n<figcaption class=\"text-sm\" style=\"font-style: normal; margin-top: -10px;\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes151252.htm#(8)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BLS<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n\r\n<p>Washington, California, and New York &mdash; which are all among the highest-employing states for security developers &mdash; have some of the highest average salaries per state, wages that correlate to these jurisdictions' higher-than-average costs of living.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n        \n  \n  <a class=\"subnav-waypoint\" name=\"job-outlook\" id=\"job-outlook\"><\/a>\n\n\r\n<h2>Security Software Developers' Job Outlook and Career Prospects<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/software-developers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BLS projects<\/a> software developer jobs will grow 25% from 2021 to 2031, equating to 162,900 annual openings. Developments like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things will continue to increase demand for workers with cybersecurity expertise who can <a href=\"\/resources\/most-common-cyber-attacks\/\">help prevent cyberattacks<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>However, an individual's employability relies on more than career growth outlook. Professionals that specialize their skills to meet demand, choose popular industries, and relocate to high-employing regions can increase their marketability.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"text-center border-thin bg-secondary-light\" style=\"max-width: fit-content; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0 100px 0 100px;\">\r\n    <p><span class=\"heading-1\">+25% from 2021 to 2031<\/span><br>\r\n        <p>Change in Projected Employment for Software Developers<\/p>\r\n        <p><em><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/software-developers.htm#tab-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BLS<\/a><\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<h3>Best Locations for Security Software Developers<\/h3>\r\n\r\n<p>Software developers can work on site or remotely. Most in-person jobs are concentrated in urban areas with high populations, as many corporations who employ security software developers reside in big cities. <a href=\"\/listings\/california\/\">California<\/a>, <a href=\"\/listings\/washington\/\">Washington<\/a>, and <a href=\"\/listings\/new-york\/\">New York<\/a> are home to large metro areas and major tech hubs. Consequently, they employ some of the largest numbers of security developers in the country.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h4>Top States for Security Software Developers<\/h4>\r\n\r\n<p>California, Texas, New York, Washington, and Virginia are the five states that employ the highest numbers of software developers. These same jurisdictions are also projected to add the most software development jobs from 2020 to 2030.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>California employs 258,170 software developers as of 2022 &mdash; the largest number of any state. California also offers the highest average salary for these workers. In contrast, <a href=\"\/listings\/west-virginia\/\">Virginia<\/a> and <a href=\"\/listings\/texas\/\">Texas<\/a> also employ large numbers of software developers, but their salaries are lower than the national average, which may reflect lower costs of living for these states.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"sonic-table shadow-lg\">\r\n<caption>Top-Employing States for Software Developers, 2022<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Top-Employing States<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Number of Software Developers Employed<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Average Annual Salary<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\"><a href=\"\/listings\/california\/\">California<\/a><\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>258,170<\/td>\r\n<td>$182,570<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\"><a href=\"\/listings\/texas\/\">Texas<\/a><\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>116,970<\/td>\r\n<td>$117,440<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\"><a href=\"\/listings\/new-york\/\">New York<\/a><\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>92,040<\/td>\r\n<td>$141,130<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\"><a href=\"\/listings\/washington\/\">Washington<\/a><\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>91,200<\/td>\r\n<td>$152,010<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\"><a href=\"\/listings\/virginia\/\">Virginia<\/a><\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>84,220<\/td>\r\n<td>$132,850<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n<figcaption class=\"text-sm\" style=\"font-style: normal; margin-top: -10px;\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes151252.htm#(8)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BLS<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"sonic-table rounded shadow\">\r\n<caption>States With Greatest Projected Increase in Employment for Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, 2020-30<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th col>State<\/th>\r\n<th col>Percent Projected Change, 2020-2030<\/th>\r\n<th col>Average Annual Openings<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr class=\"bg-accent\">\r\n<td colspan=\"3\">Greatest Projected Percentage Increase<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/listings\/utah\/\">Utah<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent\">56.2%<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">3,470<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/listings\/tennessee\/\">Tennessee<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent\">52.8%<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">2,270<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/listings\/nevada\/\">Nevada<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent\">39.6%<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">790<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/listings\/massachusetts\/\">Massachusetts<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent\">38.9%<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">9,630<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/listings\/arizona\/\">Arizona<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent\">37.9%<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">4,780<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr class=\"bg-accent\">\r\n<td colspan=\"3\">Most Projected Average Annual Openings<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/listings\/california\/\">California<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent\">36.1%<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">39,040<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/listings\/washington\/\">Washington<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent\">36.7%<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">17,030<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/listings\/texas\/\">Texas<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent\">36.2%<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">15,320<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/listings\/new-york\/\">New York<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent\">35.3%<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">11,050<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td data-title=\"State\"><a href=\"\/listings\/virginia\/\">Virginia<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Percent\">21.9%<\/td>\r\n<td data-title=\"Openings\">9,790<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p style=\"text-align:right\" class=\"text-sm\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/projectionscentral.org\/Projections\/LongTerm?AreaName=&amp;AreaNameSelect%5B%5D=1&amp;Name=software+developer&amp;NameSelect%5B%5D=721&amp;items_per_page=10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Projections Central<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\n<div class=\"sonic-interlink duration-500 flex hover:shadow-lg bg-primary-700 \">\n    <a\n        target=\"_self\"\n        href=\"\/states\/\"\n        class=\"flex items-center p-8 relative rounded w-full transition-opacity duration-500 hover:opacity-75\">\n                <span class=\"text-white block w-full\">\n          <span class=\"interlink-content flex justify-between items-center\">\n            <div>\n                                                <span class=\"title leading-snug\">Explore cybersecurity programs by state<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n            <sonic-icon class=\"ml-3 md:ml-0\" icon=\"arrow-circle-right\" size=\"small\" color=\"#fff\"><\/sonic-icon>\n          <\/span>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n\r\n<section class=\"-mx-4 md:-mx-1\/2vw py-12 md:py-16 mt-12 md:my-16 relative md:left-1\/2 md:right-1\/2 md:w-screen bg-gray-50\">\n    <div class=\"container content\">\n        \r\n<h2>Popular Online Programs<\/h2>\r\n<p>Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.<\/p>\r\n<sonic-editorial-listings limit=\"3\"><\/sonic-editorial-listings>\r\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\r\n\r\n<h4>Top Metropolitan Areas for Security Software Developers<\/h4>\r\n\r\n<p>Top-employing areas are often regions with more people, as higher population densities usually correlate with increased career opportunities. For example, the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area &mdash; centered around the most populous city in the U.S. &mdash; employs the highest number of software developers in the country.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"sonic-table shadow-lg\">\r\n<caption>Top-Employing Metropolitan Areas for Software Developers, 2022<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Metropolitan Area<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Number of Software Developers Employed<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Average Annual Salary<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>108,650<\/td>\r\n<td>$142,830<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>83,860<\/td>\r\n<td>$234,540<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>80,770<\/td>\r\n<td>$155,680<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, D.C.-VA-MD-WV<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>69,360<\/td>\r\n<td>$139,850<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>67,010<\/td>\r\n<td>$181,620<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n<figcaption class=\"text-sm\" style=\"font-style: normal; margin-top: -10px;\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes151252.htm#(8)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BLS<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n\r\n<h3>Best Industries for Security Software Developers<\/h3>\r\n\r\n<p>Cybersecurity professionals can work in a <a href=\"\/resources\/best-industries-cybersecurity\/\">diverse array of industries<\/a> like healthcare, retail, and technical design. However, earning potential varies across these sectors, as some industries require specialized skills or have higher demand, which can increase average wages. Some of the highest-employing and highest-paying industries include tech-related fields like computer systems design, social media and streaming, and software publishing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"sonic-table shadow-lg\">\r\n<caption>Top-Paying Industries for Software Developers, 2022<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Top-Paying Industries<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Number Employed<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Average Annual Salary<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>13,260<\/td>\r\n<td>$168,330<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Local Messengers and Local Delivery<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>320<\/td>\r\n<td>$167,200<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>20,850<\/td>\r\n<td>$161,730<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Clothing and Clothing Accessories Retailers<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>1,380<\/td>\r\n<td>$157,890<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Other Support Activities for Transportation<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>140<\/td>\r\n<td>$155,760<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n<figcaption class=\"text-sm\" style=\"font-style: normal; margin-top: -10px;\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes151252.htm#ind\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BLS<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n\r\n<table class=\"sonic-table shadow-lg\">\r\n<caption>Employment by Industry for Software Developers, 2022<\/caption>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Industries With Highest Employment<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Number Employed<\/th>\r\n<th scope=\"col\">Average Annual Salary<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Computer Systems Design and Related Services<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>526,240<\/td>\r\n<td>$121,270<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Software Publishers<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>162,130<\/td>\r\n<td>$141,440<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Management of Companies and Enterprises<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>78,280<\/td>\r\n<td>$125,720<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>67,690<\/td>\r\n<td>$134,750<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th scope=\"row\">Credit Intermediation and Related Activities<\/span><\/th>\r\n<td>50,640<\/td>\r\n<td>$134,250<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n<figcaption class=\"text-sm\" style=\"font-style: normal; margin-top: -10px;\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes151252.htm#ind\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BLS<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n\r\n<h3>Upward Mobility for Security Software Developers<\/h3>\r\n\r\n<p>Security software developers can advance their careers by moving into managerial roles. Typically, duties for upper-level positions in this field include running a team of other security-focused software developers, taking the lead on projects, and liaising with executives.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>These professionals can also use their expertise to transfer into related careers like <a href=\"\/jobs\/penetration-tester\/\">penetration tester<\/a>, <a href=\"\/jobs\/vulnerability-assessor\/\">vulnerability assessor<\/a>, or <a href=\"\/jobs\/security-auditor\/\">security auditor<\/a>. Because software security development professionals already have a thorough understanding of cybersecurity and programming languages, the transition to these other <a href=\"\/resources\/transitioning-from-general-it\/\">security-based tech careers<\/a> can be easy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n        \n  \n  <a class=\"subnav-waypoint\" name=\"resources\" id=\"resources\"><\/a>\n\n\r\n<h2>Learn More About Security Software Developers<\/h2>\r\n\r\n  \n\n  <section class=\"cards pt-2 pb-12 lg:pt-16 lg:pb-20 relative text-center text-gray-700 \" data-cy=\"cards\">\n    <div class=\"bg-full-width absolute top-0 right-1\/2 left-1\/2 block h-full w-screen -mr-1\/2vw -ml-1\/2vw bg-quaternary-700 \"><\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 md:grid-cols-2 lg:grid-cols-4\">\n        \r\n<div class=\"cards-item bg-white flex flex-col justify-start mt-0 overflow-hidden rounded shadow\" data-cy=\"cards-item\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\"\n          src=\"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/GettyImages-755651077-425x230-c-default.jpg\"\n        alt=\"What Is a Security Software Developer?\"\n  \/>\n  <div class=\"cards-item__content h-full flex flex-col p-6\">\n    <h4 class=\"cards-item__title\">What Is a Security Software Developer?<\/h4>\n    <div class=\"flex flex-col\">\n      <p class=\"cards-item__text text-xs leading-5\"><\/p>\n          <\/div>\n    <div class=\"flex mt-auto flex-col justify-between\">\n      <a class=\"sonic-btn large w-full md:w-max mx-auto bg-secondary-700 uppercase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/jobs\/security-software-developer\/\">\n        Learn More\n      <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\r\n<div class=\"cards-item bg-white flex flex-col justify-start mt-0 overflow-hidden rounded shadow\" data-cy=\"cards-item\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\"\n          src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/images\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1694626791\/CyberDegrees.org\/how-to-become-security-software-developer\/how-to-become-security-software-developer.jpg?_i=AA\"\n        alt=\"How to Become a Security Software Developer\"\n  \/>\n  <div class=\"cards-item__content h-full flex flex-col p-6\">\n    <h4 class=\"cards-item__title\">How to Become a Security Software Developer<\/h4>\n    <div class=\"flex flex-col\">\n      <p class=\"cards-item__text text-xs leading-5\"><\/p>\n          <\/div>\n    <div class=\"flex mt-auto flex-col justify-between\">\n      <a class=\"sonic-btn large w-full md:w-max mx-auto bg-secondary-700 uppercase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/careers\/security-software-developer\/how-to-become\/\">\n        Learn More\n      <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\r\n<div class=\"cards-item bg-white flex flex-col justify-start mt-0 overflow-hidden rounded shadow\" data-cy=\"cards-item\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\"\n          src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/images\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1694627620\/CyberDegrees.org\/typical-day-of-security-software-developer\/typical-day-of-security-software-developer.jpg?_i=AA\"\n        alt=\"Day in the Life of a Security Software Developer\"\n  \/>\n  <div class=\"cards-item__content h-full flex flex-col p-6\">\n    <h4 class=\"cards-item__title\">Day in the Life of a Security Software Developer<\/h4>\n    <div class=\"flex flex-col\">\n      <p class=\"cards-item__text text-xs leading-5\"><\/p>\n          <\/div>\n    <div class=\"flex mt-auto flex-col justify-between\">\n      <a class=\"sonic-btn large w-full md:w-max mx-auto bg-secondary-700 uppercase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/careers\/security-software-developer\/day-in-the-life\/\">\n        Learn More\n      <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\r\n<div class=\"cards-item bg-white flex flex-col justify-start mt-0 overflow-hidden rounded shadow\" data-cy=\"cards-item\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\"\n          src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/highereducation\/images\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1694625984\/CyberDegrees.org\/security-software-developer-certifications\/security-software-developer-certifications.jpg?_i=AA\"\n        alt=\"Certifications for Security Software Developers\"\n  \/>\n  <div class=\"cards-item__content h-full flex flex-col p-6\">\n    <h4 class=\"cards-item__title\">Certifications for Security Software Developers<\/h4>\n    <div class=\"flex flex-col\">\n      <p class=\"cards-item__text text-xs leading-5\"><\/p>\n          <\/div>\n    <div class=\"flex mt-auto flex-col justify-between\">\n      <a class=\"sonic-btn large w-full md:w-max mx-auto bg-secondary-700 uppercase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/careers\/security-software-developer\/certifications\/\">\n        Learn More\n      <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\r\n\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n  <\/section>\n\n\n\n\r\n\r\n\n        \n  \n  <a class=\"subnav-waypoint\" name=\"faq\" id=\"faq\"><\/a>\n\n\r\n<h2>FAQ About Salaries for Security Software Developers<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"border-thick rounded-lg px-5 border-secondary-50 mb-4\">\r\n<h3>Do security software developers get paid well?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes151252.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">According to the BLS<\/a>, the average wage for software developers nationwide is $132,930 as of 2022 &mdash; higher than the national average wage for all workers.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"border-thick rounded-lg px-5 border-secondary-50 mb-4\">\r\n<h3>Where is the best state to work as a security software developer?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n<p>California, one of the best states for security software developers, offers the most employment opportunities and the highest average salary for these professionals. The average security software developer salary in California is $182,570 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes151252.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">as of 2022<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"border-thick rounded-lg px-5 border-secondary-50 mb-4\">\r\n<h3>What is the best industry to work in as a security software developer?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n<p>Tech-related industries like social media and streaming, computer systems design, and software publishing are among the highest-employing and highest-paying sectors for software developers. For example, social media and streaming companies paid these professionals an average wage of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes151252.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">$168,330 in 2022<\/a> &mdash; more than $35,000 per year more than the average wage for all software developers.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"border-thick rounded-lg px-5 border-secondary-50 mb-4\">\r\n<h3>What is the salary range for security software developers?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes151252.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BLS data from 2022<\/a>, the lowest 10% of earners for this career make $71,280 annually, while the top 10% of earners make $198,100.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<p><em>Last reviewed June 14, 2023.<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Security software developers prevent unwanted access of private data. This essential cybersecurity role usually requires a bachelor&#8217;s degree in computer science and specialized security developer skills. This page covers the&#8230;","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":7865,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"states":[],"resources-overview":[],"degrees":[],"jobs-overview":[31],"rankings":[],"class_list":["post-7863","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","jobs-overview-guide"],"acf":[],"menu_order":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7863","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/60"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7863"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7863\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7893,"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7863\/revisions\/7893"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7865"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7863"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7863"},{"taxonomy":"states","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/states?post=7863"},{"taxonomy":"resources-overview","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources-overview?post=7863"},{"taxonomy":"degrees","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/degrees?post=7863"},{"taxonomy":"jobs-overview","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/jobs-overview?post=7863"},{"taxonomy":"rankings","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rankings?post=7863"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}