How much does a Development Manager make?
A Development Manager leads a team of developers in creating software. This role is key in tech companies, and those who excel can earn a good salary. The average yearly salary for a Development Manager is around $78,473. This can change based on experience, location, and the size of the company.
Here are the salary ranges for different levels of experience:
- The lowest 10% earn around $34,900 annually.
- The middle 50% earn between $61,509 and $114,727 per year.
- The highest 10% earn more than $141,336 annually.
What are the highest paying cities for a Development Manager?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $105,045
San Francisco offers a vibrant tech scene with many opportunities for managerial roles in development. Companies like Google and Salesforce lead the way in innovation, providing a dynamic environment for growth. With a high cost of living, the salary reflects the competitive nature of the job market.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $101,138
San Jose, often called the heart of Silicon Valley, is home to numerous tech giants. Working here means being part of a fast-paced and innovative industry. Companies such as Apple and Cisco offer exciting career paths for those in development management.
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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $100,010
Stamford provides a mix of urban and suburban living with a strong job market. This city is known for financial services and insurance, with companies like Comcast and United Technologies offering solid opportunities for development managers.
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Rockford, IL
Average Salary: $96,993
Rockford has a more traditional industry base with a growing tech sector. It offers a cost-effective lifestyle with opportunities in manufacturing and healthcare. Companies here value skilled development managers who can drive growth.
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Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $96,507
Huntsville stands out for its aerospace and defense industries. This city provides a unique setting for development managers to work with cutting-edge technology. Companies like NASA and Redstone Arsenal offer rewarding career paths.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $94,701
Seattle is a tech hub with companies like Amazon and Microsoft leading the way. The city offers a blend of natural beauty and urban excitement, making it an attractive place for development managers to work and live.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $94,169
Boulder combines a laid-back lifestyle with a strong job market. Known for its outdoor activities, this city has a growing tech scene with companies like Google and Facebook. It’s a great place for those seeking a balanced career.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $90,362
Denver is known for its booming economy and outdoor lifestyle. The tech industry here is expanding rapidly, with companies like Oracle and IBM offering good opportunities for development managers.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $87,820
Stockton offers a lower cost of living compared to nearby tech hubs. It has a diverse job market with opportunities in agriculture, retail, and healthcare. This city provides a stable environment for development managers.
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Greeley, CO
Average Salary: $87,457
Greeley is a smaller city with a tight-knit community. It has a mix of industries including agriculture and manufacturing. Companies here value skilled development managers who can contribute to local growth.
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What are the best companies a Development Manager can work for?

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SAP
Average Salary: $254,175
SAP offers exciting Development Manager roles across the globe. The company operates in various locations including Germany, the United States, and India. Development Managers here lead teams to innovate and improve software solutions.
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Apple
Average Salary: $200,510
Apple provides a dynamic environment for Development Managers. Operating from locations such as the United States, China, and Europe, Apple's Development Managers play a key role in enhancing software and hardware integration.
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Intuit
Average Salary: $198,000
Intuit is known for its innovative financial software solutions. Development Managers at Intuit lead projects in locations like the United States, Canada, and India. They focus on developing software that simplifies financial management.
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Google
Average Salary: $194,034
Google offers exciting opportunities for Development Managers. The company operates worldwide, with major hubs in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Development Managers at Google drive software development across various products and services.
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Venture Solar
Average Salary: $175,205
Venture Solar is a leader in renewable energy solutions. Development Managers at Venture Solar focus on software development for solar technology in locations across the United States and Europe.
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Trianz
Average Salary: $170,000
Trianz offers Development Manager roles in the tech industry. Operating in locations such as the United States, India, and Europe, Trianz's Development Managers work on innovative software solutions.
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Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $169,362
Amazon Web Services provides cloud computing solutions. Development Managers at AWS lead projects in locations like the United States, Europe, and Asia. They focus on developing robust and scalable cloud services.
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Lendbuzz
Average Salary: $165,500
Lendbuzz specializes in financial technology. Development Managers here lead teams in the United States and India, focusing on software solutions for lending and financial services.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $158,945
Amazon.com offers numerous opportunities for Development Managers. With locations across the United States, Europe, and Asia, these professionals drive software development for e-commerce and logistics.
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Rippling
Average Salary: $158,500
Rippling focuses on human resources software. Development Managers at Rippling work in the United States and Europe to develop software that simplifies HR operations.
How to earn more as a Development Manager?
A Development Manager can earn more by focusing on a few key strategies. One important way is to gain experience in different areas of software development. This can open up more job opportunities and higher salaries. Another way is to earn certifications in project management and software development. These credentials show a commitment to professional growth and can lead to better-paying roles.
Networking plays a crucial role in earning more as a Development Manager. Connecting with other professionals in the industry can lead to job opportunities and salary negotiations. Staying updated with the latest technology trends also matters. Managers who know the newest tools and methods can improve team efficiency and company profitability. Finally, managing successful projects well can lead to promotions and higher pay.
Here are some factors to consider:
- Gain experience in different software development areas
- Earn certifications in project management and software development
- Network with industry professionals
- Stay updated with the latest technology trends
- Manage successful projects to improve efficiency and profitability



