TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Backend Developer Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$247,835/yr
Typical range: $210,583 – $258,941
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Backend Developer salary by experience level in New York
Backend Developer Salary Progression in New York
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $113,870 | $9,489 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $140,663 | $11,722 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $158,525 | $13,210 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $183,532 | $15,294 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $247,835 | $20,653 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $310,798 | $25,900 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $326,539 | $27,212 | +187% |
Current Salary
$247,835
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $119/hr
Next Level Target
$310,798
Principal · 14
+$63Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
53/100
Moderate
+22% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Backend Developer salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Backend Developers in New York, NY earn approximately $248K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Backend Developer make per hour in New York, NY?
Based on $248K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $119/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Backend Developer in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Backend Developer in New York, NY earns $211K–$259K/yr.