C++ is one of the most popular and widely used programming languages in the world. As a systems programming language, it is commonly used for developing operating systems, games engines, desktop applications, embedded systems, and other performance-critical applications where high speed and low overhead are crucial.
With the rise of big data, machine learning, and other advanced technologies, demand for skilled C++ developers has grown steadily in recent years. Top tech companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft rely heavily on C++ for their core infrastructure and products.
So what is the earning potential for C++ developers? Let’s take a closer look at C++ developer salaries for 2022.
C++ Developer Salary Range
According to data from PayScale, the average base salary for C++ developers in the United States is $83,058 per year. However, total compensation can range from as low as $55,000 for entry level positions up to $140,000 or more for senior and specialized roles.
Here is a breakdown of the typical C++ developer salary range:
| Experience Level | Base Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $55,000 – $75,000 |
| Mid-Level (3-5 years) | $75,000 – $95,000 |
| Experienced (6-9 years) | $95,000 – $125,000 |
| Expert (10+ years) | $125,000+ |
As you can see, mid-level C++ developers with 3-5 years of experience can expect to earn an average base salary between $75,000-$95,000. With 6+ years of experience, average base salaries exceed $95,000.
For highly skilled C++ experts with specialized expertise, salaries can reach $150,000 or more. Some key factors impacting the high end of C++ developer salaries include:
- Advanced C++ skills and mastery of modern C++11/14/17 features
- Expertise in specialized domains like graphics, gaming, simulation, finance, etc.
- Knowledge of complementary technologies like Python, R, MATLAB, etc.
- Experience developing complex, high performance systems at scale
- Contributions to key infrastructure, frameworks, or products at top companies
In summary, while entry level C++ developer salaries start around $55,000, total comp at top tech companies can exceed $200,000 for staff-level C++ experts.
C++ Developer Salary by Industry
Salaries also vary significantly across industries. Here are typical base salaries for C++ developers by industry vertical:
| Industry | Average Base Salary |
|---|---|
| Finance/Banking | $100,000 |
| Defense/Aerospace | $95,000 |
| Gaming | $92,000 |
| Automotive | $91,000 |
| Hardware/Semiconductors | $90,000 |
| Software/Internet | $88,000 |
| Telecom | $87,000 |
| Healthcare | $86,000 |
As you can see, C++ developers in the finance and defense industries earn the highest average salaries, followed by gaming. Software and internet companies also pay competitively for C++ talent.
C++ Developer Salary by Location
Location also plays a major role. Here are average salaries for C++ developers in major US tech hubs:
| Location | Average Base Salary |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $112,000 |
| Seattle, WA | $108,000 |
| New York, NY | $106,000 |
| Boston, MA | $104,000 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $101,000 |
| Washington, DC | $99,000 |
| Chicago, IL | $95,000 |
| Atlanta, GA | $90,000 |
| Dallas, TX | $87,000 |
Not surprisingly, C++ developer salaries are highest in major tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York City where competition for talent is fierce. Location can account for $20,000+ differences in average base pay.
Global C++ Developer Salaries
Looking beyond the United States, here are typical C++ developer salary ranges globally:
| Country | Average Base Salary |
|---|---|
| United States | $83,058 |
| Canada | $76,963 |
| United Kingdom | £47,000 |
| Germany | €52,624 |
| France | €41,000 |
| Switzerland | CHF 84,066 |
| Australia | $65,693 |
| Singapore | $46,800 |
After the US, C++ developer salaries tend to be highest in other high-tech economies like Canada, Switzerland, Germany, and Australia. However, adjusted for cost of living, pay is quite competitive globally.
Factors Influencing C++ Developer Salaries
What factors most influence how much C++ developers get paid? Here are some of the key determinants:
1. Programming Language Skills
First and foremost, your core C++ skills heavily influence salary potential. Mastery of modern C++ standards, efficient use of STL, template metaprogramming, concurrency frameworks like OpenMP, and debugging are key. Complementary languages like Python and R are a plus.
2. Domain Expertise
Expertise in specialized domains like computer graphics, scientific computing, quantitative finance, embedded systems, high performance computing, gaming engines, etc. commands higher salaries.
3. System Design Skills
The ability to design efficient, scalable systems and data structures for complex, high performance applications increases earning potential.
4. Software Engineering Practices
Experience with Agile, test-driven development, continuous integration/delivery, and collaborating on large codebases with source control like Git helps drive salaries higher.
5. Problem Solving Abilities
Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to complex technical challenges enable C++ developers to earn more.
6. Communication & Collaboration
Being able to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and collaborate cross-functionally provides additional upside.
7. Education & Certifications
While not always required, having an advanced degree in computer science or related field, or C++ specific certifications can boost salaries.
8. Company & Industry
As noted earlier, working at top tech companies or in industries like finance or aerospace tends to pay better for C++ developers.
9. Location
Tech hub locations like Silicon Valley and New York City pay C++ developers the highest salaries based on cost of living.
10. Experience Level
As shown in the salary ranges earlier, years of professional experience has a major impact on compensation. But specific experience levels don’t always correlate with skills.
Conclusion
In summary, C++ developer salaries can vary widely based on skills, experience, location, company, industry, and other factors. While entry level salaries start around $55,000, expert C++ developers can make $150,000+ at top tech firms in high cost areas.
With C++ remaining among the most in-demand programming languages for building complex, high performance systems, career prospects and earning potential look strong for skilled C++ experts.
Focus on mastering modern C++17, developing system design skills, and specializing in domains like finance or graphics to maximize salaries as a C++ developer.
While the San Francisco Bay Area offers the highest pay, other tech hubs provide strong compensation adjusted for cost of living. And opportunities abound globally at international firms.
Overall, C++ remains among the most lucrative and promising careers for software engineers. With rising demand and short supply of true C++ experts, high salaries look set to continue.