For technology professionals charting their career course, understanding earning potential is a critical step. A role like Developer III at a specialized company like Intrinsiq Specialty Solutions represents a significant milestone, blending technical expertise with deep industry knowledge. This position not only offers challenging and impactful work but also comes with substantial financial rewards. Nationally, senior-level software developers (often designated as Level III) can expect to earn a median salary well over $135,000, with top earners in high-demand areas pushing that figure significantly higher.
This guide will break down the salary expectations for a Developer III, with a specific focus on what one might earn at a health-tech leader like Intrinsiq Specialty Solutions. We will explore the key factors that influence your pay, from location to specialization, to give you a clear picture of your potential earnings.
What Does a Developer III at a Company Like Intrinsiq Specialty Solutions Do?
A "Developer III" is not an entry-level position. This title typically signifies a senior, experienced software developer who serves as a technical leader within a team. While not usually a direct management role, a Developer III is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and influence.
Intrinsiq Specialty Solutions, a part of Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen), provides sophisticated software and data analytics platforms for specialty healthcare providers, particularly in oncology and other complex fields. A Developer III here would be instrumental in building and maintaining these critical systems.
Key responsibilities often include:
- Complex Software Development: Writing clean, efficient, and scalable code for new features and applications.
- System Architecture and Design: Contributing to high-level architectural decisions and designing robust software solutions.
- Mentorship: Guiding and mentoring junior and mid-level developers (Developer I and II), conducting code reviews, and establishing best practices.
- Problem Solving: Troubleshooting and resolving the most complex technical issues in the software lifecycle.
- Collaboration: Working closely with product managers, data analysts, and other stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical realities.
In short, a Developer III is a go-to expert responsible for turning complex challenges into functional, reliable software that powers the business.
Average Developer III Salary
While salary data for a specific level at a single company is often based on self-reported figures, we can establish a highly accurate range by analyzing national data for comparable roles and factoring in company-specific context.
Data for "Software Developers" at Intrinsiq Specialty Solutions or its parent company, Cencora, suggests a competitive salary structure. Self-reported figures on platforms like Glassdoor and Payscale for senior developer roles within the organization typically fall in the $115,000 to $150,000 range for base salary.
To broaden this perspective, let's look at national averages for a "Software Developer III" or "Senior Software Engineer," which are functionally equivalent titles.
- According to Salary.com, the median annual salary for a Software Developer III in the United States is $135,593 as of early 2024. The typical range falls between $123,039 and $149,045, though this can vary significantly based on the factors we'll discuss below.
- Glassdoor reports a national average base pay for a Senior Software Engineer at approximately $132,000 per year, with total compensation (including bonuses and stock) often reaching $150,000 or more.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides a broader benchmark. In its May 2023 data, the median pay for all "Software Developers" was $130,160 per year. It's important to note that this figure includes developers at all levels (I, II, and III), so a senior-level Developer III would naturally earn on the higher end of this spectrum.
In summary, a Developer III at a company like Intrinsiq can realistically expect a base salary in the $125,000 to $155,000 range, with total compensation potentially being higher.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your final offer will depend on a combination of your qualifications and external market forces. Here are the most critical factors.
### Level of Education
While a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is the standard requirement, an advanced degree can provide a salary edge. A Master of Science (M.S.) in a specialized area like data science, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence can make a candidate more attractive, especially for roles requiring deep theoretical knowledge. However, for most Developer III positions, demonstrable experience and a strong project portfolio often carry more weight than an advanced degree.
### Years of Experience
This is arguably the most significant factor for a Developer III role. This position is not open to recent graduates. Companies expect a Developer III to have a proven track record of success.
- Developer I (Entry-Level): 0-2 years of experience.
- Developer II (Mid-Level): 2-5 years of experience.
- Developer III (Senior-Level): Typically requires 5-8+ years of relevant professional experience.
An individual with over eight years of experience, a history of leading complex projects, and expertise in the company's specific tech stack will command a salary at the top end of the range.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. A salary that is excellent in one city might be merely average in a high-cost-of-living (HCOL) technology hub. Companies, including those with remote work policies, often adjust salary bands based on location.
- Top-Tier Hubs (e.g., San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, Seattle): Salaries are significantly higher to offset the steep cost of living. A Developer III here could earn upwards of $170,000+.
- Major Tech Hubs (e.g., Austin, Boston, Raleigh, Denver): Offer very competitive salaries that are above the national average but below the top tier.
- Rest of the U.S.: Salaries will be closer to the national median. With the rise of remote work, many companies are establishing national pay bands, but geographic adjustments remain common. Intrinsiq has offices in locations like Frisco, TX, which would align with competitive but not top-tier hub salaries.
### Company Type
The size, industry, and financial status of a company heavily influence its compensation philosophy. Intrinsiq fits within the "Large Enterprise" category.
- Big Tech (FAANG - Meta, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google): Offer the highest compensation packages, often with a large component in the form of stock options (RSUs).
- Large Enterprises (like Cencora/Intrinsiq): Provide stable, competitive salaries and strong benefits packages. While the stock component may be less aggressive than at FAANG, the overall compensation is robust and reliable.
- Startups: Often offer lower base salaries but compensate with significant equity (stock options). This is a high-risk, high-reward proposition tied to the company's future success.
### Area of Specialization
All developers are not created equal in the eyes of the market. Specializing in a high-demand, complex field can lead to a significant salary premium. For a company like Intrinsiq in the health-tech space, developers with the following skills are particularly valuable:
- Cloud & DevOps Engineering (AWS, Azure, GCP): Expertise in building and managing scalable cloud infrastructure.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting sensitive patient and financial data is paramount in healthcare.
- Big Data & Analytics: Working with large datasets to derive insights for patient care and business intelligence.
- AI/Machine Learning: Developing predictive models for treatment outcomes or operational efficiency.
A Developer III who is a generalist full-stack developer will earn a great salary, but one who is also an expert in a critical specialization like cloud security can command a top-tier package.
Job Outlook
The future for software developers is exceptionally bright. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow by 26 percent from 2022 to 2032. This rate is described as "much faster than the average for all occupations."
This incredible growth is fueled by the relentless digitization of our economy. The healthcare technology sector, where Intrinsiq operates, is a particularly strong driver of this demand. The need for secure electronic health records (EHRs), patient portals, data-driven treatment plans, and efficient practice management software ensures a high and sustained demand for talented developers for years to come.
Conclusion
A Developer III role at a company like Intrinsiq Specialty Solutions represents a rewarding and lucrative career target. It is a senior-level position that combines deep technical skill with leadership and mentorship.
Key Takeaways:
- Expected Salary: A competitive base salary for this role is in the $125,000 to $155,000 range, with the potential for higher total compensation.
- Experience is King: This role requires a minimum of 5-8 years of proven experience.
- Key Influencers: Your earnings will be heavily influenced by your geographic location, your area of technical specialization, and your ability to demonstrate leadership on complex projects.
- Excellent Outlook: With a job market projected to grow much faster than average, especially in the health-tech sector, a career as a senior software developer offers exceptional long-term stability and financial growth.
For anyone with the experience and ambition to reach this level, the path of a Developer III is a clear route to a professionally and financially rewarding career.