Computer User Support Specialists vs Software Developers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Software Developers professionals earn $72,740 more per year than Computer User Support Specialists professionals — that's 120.6% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer User Support Specialists earns $98,010 compared to $211,450 for Software Developers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer User Support Specialists$38,780 – $98,010
Software Developers$79,850 – $211,450
$38,780$211,450
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer User Support Specialists | Software Developers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $38,780 | $79,850 | $-41,070 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,580 | $103,050 | $-55,470 |
| Median (50th) | $60,340 | $133,080 | $-72,740 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,010 | $169,000 | $-91,990 |
| 90th Percentile | $98,010 | $211,450 | $-113,440 |
| Mean (Average) | $64,990 | $144,570 | $-79,580 |
Employment Numbers
Computer User Support Specialists
697,210
employed nationwide
Software Developers
1,654,440
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer User Support Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $102,430 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $85,010 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $80,930 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $77,750 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $75,250 |
Best Cities for Software Developers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $208,270 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $174,910 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $169,340 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $161,970 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $159,240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer User Support Specialists or Software Developers?
Software Developers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $72,740 (120.6% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer User Support Specialists?
Computer User Support Specialists salaries range from $38,780 (10th percentile) to $98,010 (90th percentile), with a median of $60,340.
What is the salary range for Software Developers?
Software Developers salaries range from $79,850 (10th percentile) to $211,450 (90th percentile), with a median of $133,080.
How many Computer User Support Specialists and Software Developers jobs are there?
There are approximately 697,210 Computer User Support Specialists positions and 1,654,440 Software Developers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Software Developers to Computer User Support Specialists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer User Support Specialists has a median salary of $60,340 while Software Developers earns $133,080. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS