How much does a Development Manager make?
A Development Manager plays a key role in planning and overseeing the creation of new products. Their work often involves coordinating teams and ensuring projects stay on track. On average, Development Managers earn around $78,294 per year. This average includes salaries from entry-level to experienced managers.
Here are some common salary ranges for Development Managers:
- 10th percentile: Around $34,351
- 25th percentile: About $47,705
- 50th percentile: Approximately $61,060
- 75th percentile: Close to $87,769
- 90th percentile: Around $114,478
What are the highest paying cities for a Development Manager?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $108,846
Working in San Francisco means being part of a tech-driven environment with top companies like Google and Salesforce. The city offers dynamic growth opportunities and a vibrant culture that values innovation.
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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $106,865
In Stamford, the development landscape is growing with companies like United Technologies and The Hartford. The city provides a mix of urban and suburban living with a supportive professional community.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $102,901
San Jose is a hub for tech giants such as Intel and Apple. This city's development scene is fast-paced, offering exciting challenges and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $99,998
Seattle boasts a thriving development scene with companies like Microsoft and Amazon. The city’s innovative spirit and beautiful scenery create an ideal environment for growth and creativity.
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Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $96,592
Huntsville is known for its aerospace and defense industries, with companies like NASA and Redstone Arsenal. This city offers a strong sense of community and a stable, rewarding work environment.
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Rockford, IL
Average Salary: $92,282
Rockford provides a mix of traditional industries and modern businesses, with companies such as International Harvester. The city’s cost of living is lower, offering a balanced lifestyle with professional opportunities.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $91,155
Denver’s development scene thrives with companies like Lockheed Martin and DaVita. The city combines outdoor activities with professional growth, offering a balanced and enriching work environment.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $90,710
Boulder offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and professional development with companies like Google and Ball Corporation. The city's emphasis on sustainability and innovation creates a forward-thinking atmosphere.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $87,758
Santa Rosa features a mix of tech and agriculture, with companies like Adobe and Qualcomm. The city’s moderate climate and quality of life make it a great place to build a career in development.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $86,982
Stockton is a growing hub with companies like Raley's and Nugget Market. The city offers a lower cost of living and a supportive community, making it a good choice for those seeking stability and growth.
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What are the best companies a Development Manager can work for?

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SAP
Average Salary: $241,507
SAP offers challenging roles for Development Managers. SAP operates worldwide, with major hubs in Germany, the USA, and India. Job responsibilities include leading software development teams and ensuring projects meet deadlines.
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Intuit
Average Salary: $212,455
Intuit, known for TurboTax, provides high-paying roles for Development Managers. The company is based in Mountain View, California. Here, you will manage development teams and work on innovative financial software.
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Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Average Salary: $212,063
Vertex Pharmaceuticals seeks Development Managers for roles in Boston, Massachusetts. This company focuses on developing treatments for serious diseases. In this role, you will lead development projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
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Waymo
Average Salary: $207,136
Waymo, a leader in autonomous driving, offers lucrative positions for Development Managers in Mountain View, California. You will work on cutting-edge technology, leading teams to develop self-driving car software.
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Google
Average Salary: $186,621
Google provides excellent opportunities for Development Managers in its Silicon Valley headquarters. You will lead teams developing software and services that billions of people use worldwide.
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Venture Solar
Average Salary: $175,273
Venture Solar, a renewable energy company, offers Development Manager roles in San Francisco, California. You will oversee the development of solar technology solutions, playing a crucial role in the company's mission to promote clean energy.
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Lendbuzz
Average Salary: $171,375
Lendbuzz, located in San Francisco, California, needs Development Managers to lead software projects. The company specializes in lending technology solutions, and you will work on creating innovative products to support financial services.
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Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $170,968
Amazon Web Services offers exciting roles for Development Managers in its Seattle, Washington, office. You will manage development teams working on cloud computing services, helping businesses around the world.
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Trianz
Average Salary: $170,000
Trianz, based in Waltham, Massachusetts, seeks Development Managers to lead software projects. The company provides IT consulting services, and in this role, you will work on enterprise software solutions.
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Okta
Average Salary: $165,154
Okta, a leader in identity management, offers roles for Development Managers in San Francisco, California. You will lead teams developing software that helps organizations secure their digital identities.
How to earn more as a Development Manager?
Development Managers play a crucial role in guiding projects to success. They oversee teams, set goals, and ensure everything runs smoothly. To earn more in this role, consider these key factors. They can help boost your salary and career growth.
Experience is a major factor. Companies often pay more to managers with a proven track record. Aim to gain experience in different industries or with various types of projects. This can make you more valuable. Networking also helps. Connect with other professionals in your field. Attend industry events and join relevant groups. These connections can lead to better job opportunities and salary increases. Another factor is education. Advanced degrees or certifications can make you stand out. They show your commitment to learning and improving your skills. Managers with these qualifications often earn more. Skills in project management and leadership are also important. The right tools and techniques can make you more effective. This can lead to higher salaries. Finally, consider the location. Salaries can vary greatly between cities and regions. Moving to an area with a higher cost of living and more job opportunities can increase your earnings.
These factors can help any Development Manager earn more. Focus on gaining experience, building your network, getting the right education, improving your skills, and choosing the right location. These steps can lead to better job offers and higher pay.
- Experience in different industries or projects
- Networking with other professionals
- Advanced degrees or certifications
- Strong project management and leadership skills
- Choosing a location with higher pay and more job opportunities



