Software Engineer Salaries

Updated on Jan 08, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Software Engineer make?

The average salary for a Software Engineer is $134,435 per year in the US.

Software engineers enjoy a healthy salary that reflects their skills and expertise. The average yearly salary for a software engineer is approximately $134,435. This figure represents a rewarding income and demonstrates the demand for skilled professionals in this field.


Salaries vary based on experience and location. For example, entry-level positions start around $57,500. As a software engineer gains experience, their salary increases significantly. With just a few years in the industry, one can earn about $73,727. Mid-level roles can pay $89,955 to $138,636, while seasoned professionals can earn between $154,864 and $236,000, depending on their skills and responsibilities.


Software engineering remains a lucrative career option. With the right background and experience, job seekers can look forward to a rewarding salary and opportunities for growth in this dynamic field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Software Engineer?

San Francisco, CA offers the highest average salary for software engineers at $181,169, making it an attractive destination for top talent. Following closely are San Jose, CA and Seattle, WA, with average salaries of $158,100 and $151,660, respectively. Other notable cities include Los Angeles and San Diego, where engineers can earn competitive pay of around $151,493 and $147,489.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Software Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $181,169 and Boulder, CO with the lowest at $134,304.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $181,169
    Working in San Francisco puts you at the heart of Silicon Valley. You can find opportunities with leading companies like Google and Salesforce, and enjoy a vibrant tech culture.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $158,100
    San Jose is known as the capital of Silicon Valley with numerous tech companies, including Cisco and Adobe. This city offers a dynamic environment for professionals in the tech field.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $151,660
    Seattle features a booming tech scene with major players like Amazon and Microsoft. The city combines innovation with a stunning natural backdrop, making it an exciting place to work.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $151,493
    Los Angeles blends technology and entertainment, hosting companies like Netflix and Snap Inc. Here, you can work on cutting-edge projects in a diverse industry.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $147,489
    San Diego thrives in biotechnology and telecommunications sectors, home to companies like Qualcomm. The city's pleasant weather and beaches enhance the work-life balance.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $140,316
    Hartford offers solid job prospects in insurance and finance technology, featuring companies like Aetna and Travelers. The city enjoys a mix of urban and suburban life.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Hartford, CT


  7. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $138,410
    Stamford is a growing hub for finance and tech, with firms like GE and UBS. The city's strategic location near New York City opens many doors for professionals.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Stamford, CT


  8. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $137,387
    Boston stands out with its strong presence in education and healthcare technology. With institutions like MIT and Harvard nearby, innovation is ever-present.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Brownsville, TX
    Average Salary: $135,682
    Brownsville is an emerging city for tech professionals, with growth in the technology sector. The cost of living is low, making it an attractive option for recent graduates.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Brownsville, TX


  10. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $134,304
    Boulder is known for its vibrant startup scene and numerous outdoor activities. Companies like Google and IBM have operations here, creating a unique blend of work and play.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO

What are the best companies a Software Engineer can work for?

Top companies for Software Engineer jobs offer impressive salaries. Netflix leads with an average salary of $355,833, followed closely by OpenAI at $318,646. Other high-paying employers include Anthropic, Roblox, and PlayStation, all providing substantial compensation for skilled engineers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Software Engineer jobs, highlighting Netflix with the highest at $355,833 and ThousandEyes with the lowest at $234,000.
  1. Netflix
    Average Salary: $355,833
    Netflix offers Software Engineer jobs that focus on creating and enhancing its streaming platform. Engineers work in locations like Los Gatos, CA, and can expect a dynamic environment that promotes innovation.


  2. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $318,646
    OpenAI hires Software Engineers to develop advanced AI technologies. Positions are available in San Francisco, CA, where teams work on cutting-edge projects that aim to benefit humanity.


  3. Anthropic
    Average Salary: $312,246
    Anthropic employs Software Engineers to build safe AI systems. The company operates mostly in San Francisco, CA, offering a supportive and research-driven workplace.


  4. Roblox
    Average Salary: $301,997
    Roblox provides Software Engineer roles that focus on game development and online community engagement. The company is based in San Mateo, CA, encouraging creativity and collaboration.


  5. PlayStation
    Average Salary: $248,260
    PlayStation hires Software Engineers to enhance gaming experiences across various platforms. Key locations include San Mateo, CA, where innovation and passion for gaming thrive.


  6. StubHub
    Average Salary: $247,595
    StubHub seeks Software Engineers to improve ticketing platforms and enhance user experience. The company is located in San Francisco, CA, fostering a fast-paced and exciting atmosphere.


  7. Datadog
    Average Salary: $242,889
    Datadog employs Software Engineers to build monitoring tools for cloud applications. With offices in New York City, NY, engineers work in a collaborative environment focused on technology solutions.


  8. Klaviyo
    Average Salary: $236,167
    Klaviyo hires Software Engineers to develop powerful marketing automation tools. The company operates from Boston, MA, providing a creative space for tech-driven individuals.


  9. Selby Jennings
    Average Salary: $235,357
    Selby Jennings employs Software Engineers focused on technology recruiting. Based in New York City, NY, the company offers a competitive environment with a focus on growth and development.


  10. ThousandEyes
    Average Salary: $234,000
    ThousandEyes seeks Software Engineers to provide visibility into network performance. The company operates in San Francisco, CA, and promotes a culture of innovation and teamwork.

How to earn more as a Software Engineer?

To earn more as a software engineer, focus on these key factors:

  1. Specialize in High-Demand Skills: Learn programming languages and technologies that companies need. Skills like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing are very valuable.
  2. Gain Relevant Experience: Build a strong portfolio by working on real projects. The more experience you have, the more attractive you become to employers.
  3. Consider Contract Work or Freelancing: These roles can pay more than traditional jobs. They also offer flexibility and the chance to work on diverse projects.
  4. Negotiate Your Salary: Always discuss your worth during job offers. Do research on average salaries in your area and be prepared to ask for more.
  5. Stay Updated with Industry Trends: Keep learning and attend workshops or conferences. This knowledge shows your commitment and can lead to better job offers.

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Currently 6,618 Software Engineer job openings, nationwide!

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Learn what a Software Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Software Engineer today.
Position
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Software Engineer
6,618 Job Openings