Complete C++ developer salary data
C++ is one of the most popular and C++ developers are constantly in demand in the . Knowing the expected C++ programmer is important.
C++ is widely used across industries, mainly in applications. In fact, C++ can be found everywhere. Microsoft Windows, Mac OSX, Linux – all of these operating systems are programmed in C++ and C.
C++ is also widely used as a backend technology in graphics applications that employ computer vision and high-end graphical processing. This includes games that are heavy on graphics. What is more, C++ is suitable for embedded systems (smartwatches, medical machines, etc.), financial systems, telephone switches, cloud storage systems, browsers, and compilers.
What makes C++ such a popular programming language?
C++ has been around for a long time. Although originally created as a follow-up to the C programming language, C++ is a different entity.
C++ is a general purpose programming language. It is compiled, statically typed, case-sensitive, and free-form. It is also a programming language, rather than a scripting language.
C++ is an enhanced version of C, but the roles of a C developer and a C++ developer are not the same. Even if the job position might at first appear similar. C++ comes with a steep learning curve and a C programmer wouldn’t necessarily be able to do the job of a C++ programmer.
C++ provides rich library support in the form of Standard Template Library (STL). One of the biggest advantages of the language is its speed. C++ is faster than most programming languages.
C++ programmers are responsible for writing efficient code in C++ or modifying the existing code in order to develop various applications and programs. They’re also in charge of managing memory consumption issues. In short, a C++ developer is supposed to create executable programs that facilitate organizational operations.
How much money does a C++ programmer make?
Like with the salary of any computer programmer, a C++ programmer can expect to be well paid. However, the fact that C++ is such a widely used language, can affect the average C++ salary.
Let’s compare data coming from the most popular websites that provide salary information: PayScale, Glassdoor, and Indeed.
Average C++ developer salary in the United States
According to PayScale , a median salary for a C++ developer in the United States stands at $71,677 per year.
Glassdoor shows a higher C++ programmer salary number which is $95,052 per year.
Glassdoor shows a higher C++ programmer salary number which is $95,052 per year:
The average C++ developer salary provided by Indeed is the highest and stands at $118,076 per year.
Entry-level C++ developer salary
It’s a common situation in the job market, particularly in the tech industry, that entry-level salaries are lower than the national average salary for that role. It then increases with the developer’s experience. C++ developers are in the same situation.
According to PayScale , the starting salary for a C++ developer is $66,058 per year.
According to Glassdoor, an average base salary for a C++ developer is $77,111 per year.
C++ developer average salary based on experience
PayScale also provides a very interesting chart that shows how programmer salaries go together with experience. In most cases (see an average .NET developer salary as an example) the growth is stable and predictable. The more years of experience, the higher the salary. It’s not as straightforward in terms of salaries of C++ developers.
Entry-level and junior developer salaries are pretty flat and then grow steadily after reaching more or less 5 years of experience. The possible reason behind it is that C++ is not an easy language to master. Learning takes years, but then this skill is highly rewarded.
Entry-level and junior developer salaries are pretty flat and then grow steadily after reaching more or less 5 years of experience. The possible reason behind it is that C++ is not an easy language to master. Learning takes years, but then this skill is highly rewarded.
Assess developer skills with advanced C++ coding tests
C++ developer salary in NYC
Another factor that plays an important role in the amount of salary is the location. In NYC, for example, an average C++ developer salary is 8% higher than the national average, at least according to PayScale.
Other factors increasing a C++ developer salary
One of the advantages of C++ is that it works well with other technologies, both software, and hardware. That’s why a C++ developer, is rewarded with the highest salary.
Among the top complementary skills are:
- familiarity with Android, OS X, iOS, Windows, and Linux,
- familiarity with databases (for example, MySQL or MongoDB),
- a good understanding of memory management,
- a good understanding of TCP/IP protocol,
- familiarity with continuous integration and more, depending on the project,
- knowledge of project management methodologies,
- experience with algorithms and data structure,
- understanding software development lifecycle,
- familiarity with other programming languages, such as C, C#, Java, Python,
- and more, depending on the project and company.
Conclusion
As you can see, C++ developers are in high demand which significantly affects their average salaries, especially among experienced, senior C++ developers. In addition, their skillset can be broad and include a deep understanding of top-notch technologies, both software, and hardware.
Writing a clear and detailed job description and specifying the needs upfront is one of the keys to success. Another is to employ effective technical screening of the candidates at the recruitment stage. Hiring C++ developers is not an easy task, but using the right screening & online interviews software makes a real difference in the recruitment process.
Before you go
We also have other great resources devoted to software developer salary, such as:
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