Skip to main content

Software Developer Salary in Worcester, MA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Worcester's cost of living (index: 116). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Software Developer Salary in Worcester β€” Key Numbers

$150,986
Median Salary
$115,768
25th Percentile
$195,541
75th Percentile
$241,999
90th Percentile
National median (Software Developer)$130,160
vs. National median+16.0%
Worcester median household income$71,400
vs. City household income+111.5%

Cost of Living in Worcester

Cost of Living Index
116(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,650/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio13.1%
Annual rent cost$19,800
Median Home Price$380,000
Home Price / Salary2.5Γ—
20% Down Payment$76,000
Years to save (20% rate)2.5 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Worcester

3.6%
Unemployment Rate
1,000,000
Metro Population
27 min
Avg Commute
37
Median Age

Worcester has a metro population of 1,000,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.6% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Software Developer Salary β€” Other Massachusetts Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Software Developer make in Worcester, MA?

The estimated median salary for a Software Developer in Worcester is $150,986 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $130,160 adjusted by Worcester's cost of living index (116). The typical salary range runs from $115,768 (25th percentile) to $195,541 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $241,999.

Is Worcester affordable for a Software Developer?

On a $150,986 annual salary, a Software Developer in Worcester would spend approximately 13.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,650/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Worcester relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $380,000 is 2.5Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Software Developer's salary compare to Worcester's overall income?

Worcester's median household income is $71,400. A Software Developer earning the city-adjusted median of $150,986 earns 111.5% more than the typical Worcester household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.