Average Software Developer Salary in Missouri
Software Developers in Missouri earn an average of $120,667 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +9.3% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$120,667
per year
Hourly Rate
$58.01
per hour
vs National
-9.3%
$133,080 national
Salary Range
$78,727
to $171,096
About Software Developer Careers in Missouri
Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs and applications. They design, develop, test, and maintain software systems that power everything from mobile apps to enterprise systems. In today's digital economy, software developers are essential to virtually every industry, creating solutions that improve efficiency, entertainment, and communication.
In Missouri, software developers earn an average of $120,667 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $78,727 for entry-level roles to $171,096 for the most experienced professionals — +9.3% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by programming language expertise (specialized languages often command higher pay), industry sector (fintech, healthcare tech, gaming), and the specific metro area within Missouri.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$120,667
Cost of Living Index
90
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$134,074
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Missouri's cost of living (below average), a Software Developer's salary of $120,667 has the purchasing power of $134,074 in an average-cost area.
Software Developer Salary by City in Missouri
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO | $120,955 | $58.15/hr | $80,272 | $168,688 | 1,792 |
| St. Louis, MO | $120,378 | $57.87/hr | $77,181 | $173,503 | 1,533 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Missouri vs National Average
Software Developer Salary Comparison
Employment in Missouri
There are approximately 3,325 Software Developers employed across 2 metro areas in Missouri.
Key Industries: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 0% - 4.95%
Software Developer Salary Range in Missouri
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$78,727
Starting salary for new Software Developers
Median (50th Percentile)
$120,667
Mid-career Software Developer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$171,096
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Missouri
Information Security Analyst
$112,470
avg in MO
-$8,197 vs Software Developer
Computer Systems Analyst
$96,411
avg in MO
-$24,256 vs Software Developer
Computer Programmer
$91,141
avg in MO
-$29,526 vs Software Developer
Network Administrator
$86,340
avg in MO
-$34,327 vs Software Developer
Computer User Support Specialist
$55,585
avg in MO
-$65,082 vs Software Developer
Software Developer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Software Developer salaries in Missouri with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Software Developer Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Developer salary in Missouri?
The average Software Developer salary in Missouri is $120,667 per year ($58.01/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 9.3% below the national average of $133,080.
What is the highest paying city for Software Developers in Missouri?
Kansas City, MO is the highest paying city for Software Developers in Missouri, with a median salary of $120,955 per year. The lowest paying metro area is St. Louis, MO at $120,378.
What is the salary range for Software Developers in Missouri?
Software Developer salaries in Missouri range from $78,727 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $171,096 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $120,667 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Missouri. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.