In recent years, the demand for backend developers has increased rapidly. It has evolved into one of the most sought-after professions in the tech world. Generally, backend developer salary is a key deciding factor when it comes to opting to work in this role.
Backend developers form the backbone for maintaining applications and websites. Backend developers essentially work in the background to ensure all digital operations run smoothly. They focus on ensuring that the applications or websites give the most optimum performance and experience to the users.
Given their critical role in maintaining applications and websites, you would be right to assume that backend developer salary would be lucrative. In this article, we will explore backend developer salary based on their experience and location in the US. In addition, we will also discuss some of the key factors that affects the backend developer salary.
What is the Average BackEnd Developer Salary in the US?
According to Indeed.com, the average backend developer salary in the US is $158,331 per annum. The range of back end salary starts at the lower end of $111,683 and at the higher end is $224,462.
According to Glassdoor, the average backend developer salary is in the range of $88,000 – $151,000, which is lower than that is reported by Indeed. However, it should be noted that the back-end developer salary can vary according to the location, experience, industry, education, etc.
In addition, back-end developers make $4000 per year in bonuses. This makes it a very lucrative tech profession. Builtin reports the salary for remote back-end developers in the US is $151,000 with an additional compensation of $15,325.
Also read: What Is the Career Path for Back-end Engineers?
Back End Developer Salary By Experience
According to Glassdoor, the backend developer salary of a professional with less than one year of experience is $90,000. Those who have experience between 1-4 years earn in the range of $75,000 – $140,000, while professionals with 5-9 years of experience have a median salary of $115,000. The back end developer salary of a professional with more than 10 years of experience is $132,000.
The following table shows the back-end developer salary according to their experience:
| Experience (in years) | Back-End Developer Salary |
| <1 | $67,000Â -Â $125,000 |
| 1-3 | $75,000 – $140,000 |
| 4-6 | $82,000 – $152,000 |
| 7-9 | $87,000 – $162,000 |
| 10+ | $100,000 – $185,000 |
Source: Glassdoor
Back End Developer Salary By Location
The backend developer salary can vary a lot depending on the location. Working in tech hubs like San Francisco, New York or Seattle, you can expect a higher salary. Because of higher concentration of top companies in such locations, there is a tedency to attract all the top talent. In the table below, the back-end developer salary by location is presented:
| Region | Back-End Developer Salary |
| New York | $97,000 – $174,000 |
| San Francisco | $109,000Â -Â $199,000 |
| Seattle | $106,000Â -Â $190,000 |
| Austin | $92,000Â -Â $154,000 |
| Boston | $103,000Â -Â $178,000 |
| Chicago | $99,000Â -Â $168,000 |
Source: Glassdoor
Also read: Back-End Developer Interview Questions
Companies That Pay Highest Backend Developer Salary
Another obvious factor in determining the backend developer salary is the company that you choose to work in. Top companies like Google or other FAANG+ companies offer some of the highest back end developer salaries in the US. However, startups or other companies can also pay a premium for the right candidate.
The companies that pay the highest backend developer salary include Meta, X (Twitter), VMWare, LinkedIn, Cisco, eBay, TikTok, Amazon Web Services and Google.
Meta pays some of the highest salaries to backend developer with an average range between $233,000 – $362,000, which is far higher than any other companies. Google pays an average salary in the range of $143,000Â – $231,000 which is very in line with other companies like TikTok and AWS.
Factors Affecting Back End Developer Salary
Back-end developer salary is one of the key aspects for aspiring and experienced back-end developers.
Before you set your salary expectations after becoming a back-end developer, it is important to understand the factors that affect the back end developer salary.
Let’s look at some of them below:
- Location: This factor plays a key role in influencing the back-end developer salary. Depending on the cost of living and demand for back-end developers in the region, there can be vast differences in the salary.
- Back-end skills: Another essential factor that affects the back-end developer salary is the skills that the individual possesses. There are several back-end skills that a developer must be adept at. To command a higher salary, a back-end developer should be a communication expert, know serverless architecture, be proficient in data management, and more.
- Professional network: The more strong connections you have on social platforms like LinkedIn, the higher your chances of negotiating better pay. You can utilize your strong network to find lucrative and high-paying back-end developer roles. Having a good network will give you access to several resources, new contacts, and potential employers.
- Education: Back-end development is a very technical role, and therefore you must have a strong educational background. Your level of education can greatly influence the salary you can command at the workplace. The more educated you are, the higher the chances of you getting higher pay than your peers. A bachelor’s degree in software engineering or computer science is regarded as the minimum education qualification for a back-end developer role.
- Programming knowledge: Another crucial factor that affects the back-end developer salary is programming knowledge. As a back-end developer, you should learn and know as many back-end development languages as possible.
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FAQs: Back-End Developer Salary
Q1. What Programming Languages are most in Demand for Backend Developers?
Back-end developers should be proficient in programming languages such as Java, Python, Ruby, PHP, and JavaScript (Node.js). The demand for these languages varies by industry and region, but having expertise in one or more of these can significantly enhance job prospects and salary potential.
Q2. How Does Working for a Startup versus a Large Company Affect Backend Developer Salary?
Working for a startup can sometimes mean a lower base salary but higher equity options and potential bonuses if the company succeeds. Large companies often offer more stability and competitive base salaries, along with comprehensive benefits packages. Your career goals and risk tolerance will influence which option is better for you.
3. Do Certifications Impact the Salary of Back End Developers?
Yes, certifications can positively impact the salary of back-end developers. Certifications in specific technologies (like AWS, Azure, or Kubernetes) or methodologies (such as Agile or DevOps) can make a developer more attractive to employers and justify a higher salary.
Q4. Is Remote Work a Viable Option for Back End Developers, and How Does it Impact Salary?
Remote work is increasingly viable for back-end developers, especially with the rise of remote-friendly technologies and tools. While some companies may offer slightly lower salaries for remote positions due to lower overhead costs, others might pay the same or even more to attract top talent regardless of location. Remote work also expands opportunities to work for companies outside one’s local area, potentially accessing higher-paying markets.
Q5. How Does Industry Affect Backend Developer Salary?
The industry in which a back-end developer works can significantly impact their salary. For instance, developers in finance, tech, and healthcare often earn higher salaries compared to those in education or non-profit sectors. High-demand industries typically offer better compensation to attract skilled professionals.
Q6. Are There Opportunities for Career Advancement as a Back-End Developer?
Yes, there are numerous opportunities for career advancement. Back-end developers can progress to senior developer roles, lead developers, and eventually into management positions such as CTO (Chief Technology Officer) or engineering manager. Additionally, gaining experience and skills can open opportunities for specialized roles in areas like cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity.
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