The digitization of the modern business environment has created a growing demand for Back-End Developers. Back-End Developers create the infrastructure that powers the functionality of web applications.

With more and more businesses using web applications, the need for skilled developers is greater than ever. The salaries of Back-End Developers reflect this increasing demand. In this article, we’ll break down the salary expectations for Back-End Developers in the U.S. and how they vary depending on where you live and who you work for.

How much do Back-End Developers make on average?

On average, Back-End Engineers make $115,933 a year. How much you’ll earn as a Back-End Engineer will vary based on your location and employer, but it’s not hard to find a position with a six-figure salary.

Demand for Back-End Engineers will likely only increase as more businesses turn to software solutions to improve and automate their processes. In other words, there’s never been a better time to enter the field — especially now that you can become a Back-End Developer without a degree.

How much do Back-End Developers make on the East Coast?

Back-End Developers on the East Coast tend to make significantly more than the national average. For example, a Back-End Developer in New York earns $156,194, and in Boston, you’d bring in just under that at $148,684.

A quick flight down to Washington D.C., and you’re earning $138,603, and a hop over to Atlanta puts you at $140,739. The competitive salaries found on the East Coast likely arise from the thriving economies in the region that rely on developers’ services.

How much do Back-End Developers make on the West Coast?

Back-End Developers on the West Coast often earn even more than those on the East Coast. This might be because of all the major tech companies located in the area.

For example, Back-End Developers in San Francisco, home to big players like Salesforce, Square, and AppDynamics, can expect an average salary of $168,129 — over 46% higher than the national average. Similarly, a Back-End Developer in Los Angeles earns $153,922 per year.

Salary expectations in Seattle, where giants such as Microsoft, Google, and Expedia have their roots, are also well above average at $157,510. With a slightly cooler tech market, the average income for Back-End Developers in San Diego is still a little higher than those in Washington D.C. at $139,043.

How much do Back-End Developers make in the Midwest?

Even though the Midwest doesn’t have the same booming tech communities as those on the East and West Coasts, Back-End Developers in the region still make a decent living. For instance, in St. Paul, Minneapolis, you can bring in $140,739 a year, and Back-End Developers in Chicago average $134,732.

Here are some other average Back-End Developer salaries in the Midwest:

  • Austin, Texas: $146,558
  • Denver, Colorado: $135,148
  • Dallas, Texas: $129,421

How much do Back-End Developer salaries differ by company?

As a Back-End Developer, your job prospects aren’t limited to tech companies. Because so many businesses rely on software, even non-technical companies need Back-End Developers to manage their various programs and applications. Still, salaries, along with job responsibilities, vary drastically as you go from company to company.

Back-End Developer salaries in non-technical companies

Today, even non-technical companies need software — whether it’s to support their customers or their various business processes. The competitive salaries below reflect how important back-end development is, regardless of industry.

At Wells Fargo, for example, a Back-End Developer earns $139,998. At coffee house standout Starbucks, you’d be collecting $151,534 a year supporting Starbucks’ apps and internal processes.

Similarly, even though they’re not known as a top tech company, Walmart pays Back-End Developers an average of $152,692 a year. At Home Depot, you may earn a little less at around $110,000 to $120,000.

Back-End Developer salaries at large tech companies

In some cases, you may earn less money but more clout by working for a major company. For example, Microsoft starts Back-End Developers off at $94,051, and those with more experience can begin at $149,918. There’s a similarly wide range in pay at Facebook, where Back-End Developers earn between $69,163 and $131,794.

Dell, another large tech organization, is on par with some of the higher-paying companies, giving their Back-End Developers an average of $145,616 a year. Apple comes in a little lower, with an average compensation of $132,640.

Regardless of the company you choose to work for or where you live, the demand for your skills as a Back-End Developer isn’t going to fade soon. Whenever a company needs to create its own web app, it’ll need a Back-End Developer.

Getting started as a Back-End Developer

Ready to launch (or advance in) your career as a Back-End Developer? Our courses will provide the knowledge and skills you’ll need to excel in the role. First, you’ll want to learn how to use one of the programming languages used for back-end development.

If you’re looking for a versatile programming language that’s easy to read, Learn Python. Or, if you’re eager to start working with databases, you could Learn SQL.

But what if you want to learn everything you’ll need to know all at once? If that’s the case, check out our Back-End Engineer Career Path. You’ll learn how to use all the popular technologies used for back-end development. Plus, we’ll even help you build a portfolio that’ll help showcase your skills in your job search. So, what are you waiting for — sign up today!


Web Development Courses & Tutorials | Codecademy
Web Development is the practice of developing websites and web apps that live on the internet. Whether you’re interested in front-end, back-end, or going full-stack, the content in our Web Development domain will help you get there.

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