Software Engineer Salaries

Updated on Mar 08, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Software Engineer make?

The average salary for a Software Engineer is $136,603 per year in the US.

Software engineers enjoy a promising career with a strong salary potential. The average yearly salary for a software engineer is around $136,603. This figure reflects the exciting opportunities that exist in the tech industry.


Entry-level positions typically start at about $57,400. As engineers gain experience and build their skills, their salaries can increase significantly. For example, after gaining some experience, salaries can rise to around $73,989. Mid-level engineers often earn between $90,577 and $107,166, showcasing the potential for growth as one advances in their career.


As software engineers continue to develop their expertise, reaching salaries over $140,000 is common. Highly experienced professionals earn around $190,109 to $239,875, illustrating the rewards that come with experience and specialization.


In summary, software engineering offers a lucrative salary range that grows as individuals develop their skills and take on more complex projects. This makes it an appealing field for job seekers looking to build a successful career.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Software Engineer?

For software engineers, some cities offer notably high salaries that can enhance career prospects. San Francisco, CA, leads the way with an impressive average salary of $182,502, followed closely by San Jose, CA, at $158,924. Seattle, WA, also stands out, providing an average salary of $153,476, making these cities excellent choices for those seeking lucrative opportunities in the tech industry.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Software Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $182,502 and Brownsville, TX with the lowest at $136,458.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $182,502
    San Francisco offers a vibrant tech scene with many startups and established companies like Salesforce and Twitter. Here, you can work with talented teams pushing the boundaries of technology in a city known for innovation.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $158,924
    Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose is home to giants like Adobe and Cisco. Working in this city provides countless opportunities to collaborate with top engineers and contribute to cutting-edge projects.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $153,476
    Seattle boasts a strong tech industry with major players such as Amazon and Microsoft. Professionals here enjoy a collaborative environment and the chance to work on groundbreaking software solutions.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $152,867
    Los Angeles, known for its entertainment industry, also has a thriving tech sector with companies like Snap Inc. and Hulu. This city blends creativity with technology, offering diverse projects and opportunities for growth.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $149,513
    San Diego offers a relaxed lifestyle along with a growing tech scene, including companies like Qualcomm. The city's innovation hubs allow for collaboration and creativity in software development.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $143,760
    Stamford combines a business-friendly environment with a rising tech presence, attracting companies in finance and health tech. Here, software professionals can find rewarding projects and a supportive community.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Stamford, CT


  7. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $140,683
    Hartford has a strong insurance and financial sector, with companies like Aetna and Travelers. Software developers in this city can work on impactful solutions that enhance client services and operations.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Hartford, CT


  8. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $138,128
    Boston is rich in education and technology, with many startups and established firms like HubSpot. Professionals can engage in innovative projects while being part of a thriving academic and entrepreneurial network.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $137,327
    Bend offers a unique mix of outdoor lifestyle and tech opportunities, with several startups emerging in the area. Software developers can enjoy a balanced life while working on exciting projects in a beautiful setting.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Bend, OR


  10. Brownsville, TX
    Average Salary: $136,458
    Brownsville is growing as a tech hub in South Texas, offering opportunities for software developers in emerging industries. The community is supportive, making it an attractive place for new professionals.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Brownsville, TX

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

For those seeking top salaries in software engineering, companies like Netflix and Anthropic lead the pack, offering impressive average salaries of approximately $389,217 and $329,624, respectively. OpenAI and Roblox also provide strong compensation, with average salaries around $318,370 and $301,997. Joining these organizations can significantly enhance your earning potential and career satisfaction.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Software Engineer jobs, highlighting Netflix with the highest at $389,217 and StubHub with the lowest at $232,254.
  1. Netflix
    Average Salary: $389,217
    Netflix offers exciting opportunities for Software Engineers to work on innovative projects in a fast-paced environment. They have offices in major cities such as Los Gatos, CA, and Los Angeles, CA.


  2. Anthropic
    Average Salary: $329,624
    Anthropic focuses on AI safety and research, providing Software Engineers a chance to work with leading experts in the field. Their main operations are based in San Francisco, CA.


  3. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $318,370
    OpenAI is at the forefront of artificial intelligence research, and Software Engineers here work on groundbreaking technology. The company is located in San Francisco, CA, fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture.


  4. Roblox
    Average Salary: $301,997
    Roblox provides Software Engineers the chance to create engaging online experiences for millions of users. Their headquarters is in San Mateo, CA, focusing on a fun and creative work environment.


  5. Datadog
    Average Salary: $241,735
    Datadog offers Software Engineers opportunities to build monitoring and analytics tools for developers. The company is located in New York, NY, promoting a dynamic and tech-savvy work culture.


  6. PlayStation
    Average Salary: $238,800
    PlayStation is known for its gaming innovations. Software Engineers can work on developing new gaming experiences. The company has operations in San Mateo, CA, and fosters creativity and passion for gaming.


  7. Klaviyo
    Average Salary: $236,167
    Klaviyo specializes in marketing automation, allowing Software Engineers to build impactful tools for online businesses. The company operates mainly in Boston, MA, and encourages innovation and collaboration.


  8. DigitalOcean
    Average Salary: $233,697
    DigitalOcean focuses on cloud infrastructure, giving Software Engineers a platform to develop scalable solutions for developers. Their office is located in New York, NY, promoting a supportive and user-centric environment.


  9. ThousandEyes
    Average Salary: $233,677
    ThousandEyes provides visibility into network performance, allowing Software Engineers to work on critical monitoring tools. They are based in San Francisco, CA, fostering a technical and innovative atmosphere.


  10. StubHub
    Average Salary: $232,254
    StubHub connects buyers and sellers of tickets, and Software Engineers play a vital role in enhancing user experience. The company operates in San Francisco, CA, supporting a collaborative and innovative work culture.

How to earn more as a Software Engineer?

As a Software Engineer, you can increase your earnings by focusing on several key areas. By embracing these factors, you not only enhance your skills but also boost your value in the job market.

  • Expand Your Skill Set: Learn new programming languages and technologies. Skills in trending areas like artificial intelligence or cloud computing can set you apart.
  • Gain Industry Experience: Work on real-world projects. The more experience you have, the higher your earning potential.
  • Certifications Matter: Pursue relevant certifications. They show dedication and expertise, often leading to better job offers.
  • Network Actively: Connect with others in the industry. Attend conferences, join online communities, and build relationships that can lead to new job opportunities.
  • Negotiate Your Salary: Always negotiate offers. Research salary benchmarks and confidently discuss your worth during job interviews.

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Currently 7,809 Software Engineer job openings, nationwide!

How's the job market for a Software Engineer in the US?

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
7,809 Job Openings