· Travis Rodgers · Career · 7 min read
How To Get Paid More as a Software Developer in 2022
So you landed a nice job in Software Development. You are making more than you have in the past. You’re getting better, getting stuck less, and getting an itch for a higher salary that everyone seems to be making.
What to do now?
Find another job? Ask for a raise? Learn more skills? Become a freelancer?
What is the next step you should take to up your salary a bit?
Well that’s what we want to look at today.
Put out a poll on Twitter and you’ll see that the pay range for developers is a wide one spanning from $60K up to over 200K.
In fact, the latest Stack Overflow survey says that if you are in the U.S. and making under $115K as your median yearly salary then you may just be underpaid.
And if you’ve been in the business for a while now and you are in that lower range, you SHOULD be seeking a raise. You should be seeking to get paid what you’re worth. And in today’s tech culture you’re probably worth more than you are making.
So in this post, I want to suggest 4 ways to get paid more as a software developer.
Here we go.
4 Ways To Get Paid More As a Software Developer
1. Change Companies
Point blank this is almost ALWAYS the easiest and fastest way to get more money as a Software Developer.
I mean, you already have a job so you’re not desperate for another. So shop around!
Look for opportunities to work at larger companies if that’s your thing or companies that are sure to pay more.
If you get rejected, so what? If you succeed then aim high. Ask for the salary you really want. What’s the worst that can happen?
I say this is the “easiest and fastest” way because if you stick with your current company for another year, you’re looking at a mere 2-3% raise. That won’t even cover inflation. And it gets you maybe an extra $50 - $100 a paycheck.
We’ll talk about other ways below to get around this, but for the most part, you will not see a significant pay raise at your same company over the years by doing the same work.
This is why people shift to other companies. Going IN you are able to start at the salary you want.
Now, this is only if you are okay leaving your current gig. Many are not, love where they work, and desire to stay.
Well, let’s look at what you can do about that.
2. Move Up In Rank
Moving up to a mid-level or senior position is a way you can get paid more as a Software Developer at your current job.
Maybe you like your company and don’t want to leave. Well then, level up!
Often times by moving up to a higher rank you get placed in a new salary bracket and this is usually a good chunk of increase.
If you’ve put in the time and have demonstrated your skills and leadership, then you should most definitely pursue this.
We’ll talk about this more below, but use educational sites like Udemy to fill the gaps in your knowledge. Courses like The Complete Junior to Senior Web Developer Roadmap will help you do so.
Talk to your boss.
Your annual review is the perfect time to bring it up. If you don’t get it this year, then get your manager to get you on a track to assure that you’ll do so in the next.
If they shut you down and you think you’re more than qualified, then refer to #1 above to find a new company.
And if you are already in a higher rank, then you may want to consider management or team lead.
3. Learn New Skills
Learning new skills is another great way to make more money as a Software Developer either in your current job or the next.
Learn something closely related to your field and in demand like Docker or Kubernetes or AWS.
Increase your demand by putting yourself ahead of the other devs with these valuable skills.
Udemy is a great place to learn these skills. Here are a few of my favorite courses that could project you upward in your career:
- Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) with Practice Tests
- Docker for the Absolute Beginner - Hands On - DevOps
- 100 Days of Code: The Complete Python Pro Bootcamp for 2022
Or perhaps learn a new programming language. Here are a few recommendations:
- 5 Steps for Learning React JS in 2022: A Blueprint
- My Top 5 Resources for Learning Golang: Beginner to Advanced
- My Favorite Udemy Python Courses of 2021: Top 5
Consider learning AWS and getting a certification this year. I was able to get my AWS certification earlier this year and it paid off. Here are the exact resources I used:
**Resources Mentioned**
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Course
John Bonson Practice Exams
Whizlabs Course and Practice Exams
Just remember, whatever you do be sure to pursue only that which would make you more valuable either at your current job or in the next.
Be strategic. Know the market.
4. Start Your Own Business
Maybe you have some skills that would really shine in a consulting business or software agency.
You could make a plan to start your own business, scale it, and increase your income tremendously (and perhaps give yourself back some free time).
Many developers thrive in environments where they aren’t restricted by the demands of corporations and number crunching managers. They have all the skills necessary to make themselves (and their business) in high demand to the right customers without the middleman.
Start a software agency, a cloud consulting business, create a SaaS product, or even venture out in a new startup.
The opportunities are endless.
A Word of Caution
With the above being said, remember that often more money requires more responsibility and often time.
Working at a job that doesn’t appreciate you, a job that works you 60 hours a week or sees you as just another cog in the wheel isn’t worth the extra money.
A job that pays less yet gives you flexibility and appreciation is the sweet spot.
At some point, you will make enough money. More of it will not make you happier. Remember, time is the one thing you’ll never get back.
Conclusion
So to recap, if you are looking to up your salary you should pursue one of the following:
- If you aren’t fond of your job, go elsewhere where they pay you more.
- If you love your current job, then seek to move up in rank.
- Look to learn the skills that are in demand and make YOU more valuable. This pays off in your current job or in the next.
- Consider stepping out as a consultant or as owner of your own software agency. Scale it and delegate the tasks. You’ll see more money and more free time to enjoy it.
Are you looking to increase your salary as a Software Developer? What steps have you taken or are thinking of taking? Let’s discuss below.
