25 of the Highest Paying Software Development Manager Jobs in 2026

The best Software Development Manager jobs can pay up to $225,000 per year.

High Paying Software Development Manager Jobs

• Embedded Software Manager

  Salary range: $173,000 - $225,000

  The majority of Embedded Software Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $173,000 (25th percentile) and $225,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Embedded Software Manager job market in the United States is active, with some companies hiring.

• Lead PHP Developer

  Salary range: $120,000 - $200,000

  The majority of Lead PHP Developer salaries across the United States currently range between $120,000 (25th percentile) and $200,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Lead PHP Developer job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

• Senior Software Engineering Manager

  Salary range: $151,500 - $199,000

  The majority of Senior Software Engineering Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $151,500 (25th percentile) and $199,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Senior Software Engineering Manager job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

• Lead Enterprise Architect

  Salary range: $150,000 - $198,000

  The majority of Lead Enterprise Architect salaries across the United States currently range between $150,000 (25th percentile) and $198,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Lead Enterprise Architect job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

• Java Team Lead

  Salary range: $147,500 - $192,500

  The majority of Java Team Lead salaries across the United States currently range between $147,500 (25th percentile) and $192,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Java Team Lead job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

• Principal Software Engineer

  Salary range: $135,000 - $181,000

  A principal software engineer is in charge of software development. In this career, you guide the software design process and inspect software programs to make suggestions for improvements. Principal software engineers also process complex data and may need to enforce software design, development, and maintenance requirements. Your job requires a high level of technical knowledge and skills and a thorough understanding of the software development process. Your employer may require you to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in software development. Similar job titles include software architect and principal software developer.

• Lead iOS Developer

  Salary range: $106,000 - $178,500

  The majority of Lead iOS Developer salaries across the United States currently range between $106,000 (25th percentile) and $178,500 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Lead iOS Developer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Lead Java Software Engineer

  Salary range: $126,500 - $176,500

  The majority of Lead Java Software Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $126,500 (25th percentile) and $176,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Lead Java Software Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Software Engineering Manager

  Salary range: $173,000 - $173,000

  A software engineering manager oversees a team of people who are working on the development of new computer software or the enhancement of existing computer programs. Because this is a management job, your duties may include coordinating and planning with other departments within the company and with company executives. In addition to management skills, you need a firm understanding of the technical aspects of software engineering. Another aspect of this career involves understanding the market and competitor’s products so that your software can compete and meet market demands.

• Senior Software Development Manager

  Salary range: $112,500 - $172,500

  The majority of Senior Software Development Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $112,500 (25th percentile) and $172,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Senior Software Development Manager job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Lead Python Developer

  Salary range: $140,000 - $172,000

  The majority of Lead Python Developer salaries across the United States currently range between $140,000 (25th percentile) and $172,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Lead Python Developer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Lead Solutions Architect

  Salary range: $125,000 - $171,500

  The majority of Lead Solutions Architect salaries across the United States currently range between $125,000 (25th percentile) and $171,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Lead Solutions Architect job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

• Application Development Team Lead

  Salary range: $104,500 - $170,000

  The majority of Application Development Team Lead salaries across the United States currently range between $104,500 (25th percentile) and $170,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Application Development Team Lead job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Software Manager

  Salary range: $129,000 - $169,500

  A software manager oversees the development, installation, and maintenance of new or upgraded software for an organization. As a software manager, you coordinate with staff to determine client needs and expectations, establish budget and timelines, and ensure that employees use the product correctly. You may also train company employees on how to utilize the software after it is installed and help troubleshoot problems that arise.

• Lead Software Engineer

  Salary range: $121,000 - $168,500

  The majority of Lead Software Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $121,000 (25th percentile) and $168,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Lead Software Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Application Services Manager

  Salary range: $116,500 - $165,500

  The majority of Application Services Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $116,500 (25th percentile) and $165,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Application Services Manager job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Lead Front End Developer

  Salary range: $36,000 - $162,000

  A lead front end developer works with a team of other talented developers to design and build websites and applications. As a lead front end developer, you take part in creating and integrating user interfaces, upgrading applications, and working within the company's network. You typically mentor a team of junior to mid-level developers to help build their CSS and HTML skills while completing projects. Qualifications vary but usually include in-depth knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS as well as one or several web frameworks specified by the employer. Lead front end developers gain years of experience in front end development, UI/UX frameworks, coding strategies, and data sciences to qualify. Employers may require a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. in computer engineering or computer science.

• Lead Developer

  Salary range: $118,000 - $154,500

  A lead developer has the same responsibilities as a developer, but must also direct others and ensure they adhere to determined software quality standards. You work with business analysts to produce relevant software products and participate in design decisions, tool selection, and improvements to the overall development process. You mentor your team, provide them with better strategies to build computer programs and advise them on emerging techniques and processes.

• Engineering Design Manager

  Salary range: $109,000 - $150,000

  The job duties of an engineering design manager include overseeing a team of engineers and CAD designers on engineering projects. In addition to providing leadership to staff, in this career, you manage the budget planning for each project, work with concept development, and ensure that plans meet company or client needs and engineering standards. You offer guidance throughout the design process and inspect and sign off on design plans to ensure that they meet quality standards. As a manager, you are also responsible for providing effective staffing strategies and workflow.

• Application Manager

  Salary range: $96,500 - $142,000

  An application manager is an information technology (IT) professional who identifies and implements software solutions to optimize business operations. As an application manager, your responsibilities involve the procurement, installation, configuration, and maintenance of software applications. Your duties include creating processes and protocols for software systems, managing server and computer upgrades, and troubleshooting problems. You collaborate with business analysts to ensure that the software solutions you manage align with the company’s operational goals and help produce desirable business outcomes.

• Enterprise Applications Manager

  Salary range: $109,000 - $138,500

  An enterprise applications manager helps develop, design, customize, and maintain a company’s computer applications and related systems. Your duties include establishing and configuring enterprise software applications, providing training to IT staff and employees, offering support for users, and troubleshooting when issues arise. You also perform updates and maintenance to existing applications, data, and computer systems when needed. You assess applications to ensure that they provide the best solutions for business operations, and you suggest changes or improvements. You can work with various business applications, including customer relationship management (CRM) tools and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.

• IT Applications Manager

  Salary range: $96,000 - $134,500

  As an IT applications manager, your primary responsibilities are to manage the development and operational support of computer applications. Your duties are to oversee staff, assist with training of new employees, provide application enhancement, control the release process for applications, and offer ongoing support for internal departments and external users. You collaborate with other teams and vendors to implement changes, updates, and troubleshoot issues to find solutions. As a manager, you also ensure adherence to regulatory policies and procedures within the industry. An IT applications manager also prepares analysis and reports on active systems.

• Application Support Manager

  Salary range: $85,000 - $127,000

  Application support managers determine problems that users have with an application, then design and develop solutions to those issues. In this role, you may review the reports of bugs or problems, create a plan to address those issues, and train staff on how to implement the plan. Many application support managers also participate in the hiring process to find staff who are capable of isolating and resolving technical problems. Some companies may also expect them to provide input to administrative managers on hardware and software purchasing decisions. Application support managers usually have several years of experience in solving complex technical problems.

• Software Asset Manager

  Salary range: $81,500 - $123,500

  As a software asset manager (SAM), you use SAM management tools to approve, deploy, update, and remove software products from user systems, and process software application requests from employees through your organization’s approval process, ensuring the organization has or can purchase the appropriate licenses and that only the approved user has access to the deployed product. When an employee is hired, fired, or changes positions, you are responsible for determining and re-determining their level of access. Other responsibilities include updating programs, providing technical support to workers for software strategy and architecture, and ensuring the organization is abiding by all software licensing laws.

• Development Manager

  Salary range: $58,500 - $90,500

  Development manager is a job title that can refer to a variety of positions, depending on the industry. The most common development manager position is a fundraiser for non-profit organizations. They plan and implement marketing and fundraising strategies to find prospective donors and to bring in new sources of revenue. In business, development managers research market trends and seek lucrative business opportunities and partnerships to promote company growth. Software development managers oversee a group of developers as they create, design, and test new software or processes. They ensure that the product meets project specifications and is completed on time and within budget. Real estate development managers survey business properties to determine areas with the potential for high property values for homes or brisk business for companies.