Backend Developer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania$112,200 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Backend Developer Salary in Philadelphia

Entry Level
$69,360
Median
$112,200
Senior Level
$164,220

Backend Developer salaries in Philadelphia are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Node.jsPythonSQLAPIsSystem Design

Backend Developer Job Market in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA is a major regional employment hub for Backend Developer professionals. With a population of 1.6 million, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. The city's strong Healthcare and Education sectors create robust demand for Backend Developer talent. The market for Backend Developer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Backend Developers in Philadelphia

ComcastSAPBentley SystemsSEI InvestmentsGuru

Major employers hiring Backend Developers in Philadelphia include Comcast, SAP, Bentley Systems, SEI Investments, and Guru. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Backend Developers in Philadelphia

Living in Philadelphia as a Backend Developer means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. At median Backend Developer salary, housing is quite affordable at 20% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Backend Developer in Philadelphia

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute time is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey. Subway lines are efficient for Center City commutes.

Best neighborhoods for Backend Developers in Philadelphia: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Backend Developer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Backend Developers

The job outlook for Backend Developers in Philadelphia is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Philadelphia's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Node.js, Python, SQL, APIs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Backend Developer salary in Philadelphia, PA?

The average Backend Developer salary in Philadelphia, PA is $112,200 per year. Entry-level Backend Developers typically start around $69,360, while experienced professionals can earn $164,220 or more. The national average for Backend Developer roles is $110,000.

How many Backend Developer jobs are available in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a strong job market with regular openings for Backend Developer professionals. Major employers hiring Backend Developers include Comcast, SAP, Bentley Systems, SEI Investments. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Philadelphia a good city for Backend Developers?

Philadelphia is an very good choice for Backend Developers. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for technology & software professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Backend Developers in Philadelphia?

Top skills for Backend Developers in Philadelphia include Node.js, Python, SQL, APIs, System Design. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Backend Developers in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Backend Developers in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey.

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