Average Software Development Manager Salary

A software development manager is in charge of designing and developing software systems for medical, military, business, scientific, and general computing applications. They are also in charge of modifying existing software that may contain errors or that needs an upgrade. They analyze, store, and retrieve information that can enable them to create the best software available.

It is also important for a software development manager to have good communication skills, because they have to consult with customers, their engineering staff, and their supervisors. In some cases, they also assign work to their programmers and engineers. For this particular job, it is very important to have a great deal of technical knowledge. These managers should have good time management and coordination skills, as well an in-depth knowledge of math, science, engineering and technology; they not only have to retrieve the information, but they will have to process, analyze, and interpret it as well. They are in charge of training users in equipment and monitoring the functioning of the equipment to ensure that it is working properly and effectively.

For this career, a bachelor’s degree or post-baccalaureate certificate in computer engineering, computer programming, computer science, or a similar field is typically required. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

Software Development Manager Tasks

• Act as a resource for software developers on policies, procedures and technical issues.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate all activities associated with writing software.
• Plan, direct and coordinate daily activities of a department/group/team.
• Hire, review, and fire non-management employees.

Home to some of the best pay for Software Development Managers, San Jose offers exceptional salaries, 48 percent above the national average. Software Development Managers will also find cushy salaries in San Francisco (+24 percent), Seattle (+16 percent), Boston (+14 percent), and Chicago (+11 percent). With compensation 5 percent below the national average, Los Angeles is not known for hefty paychecks and actually represents the lowest-paying market. Minneapolis and Atlanta are a couple other places where companies are known to pay below the median — salaries are 4 percent lower and 3 percent lower, respectively.