The average salary for a Software Engineer in the US is $120,000 per year.
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain applications, systems, and platforms used by businesses and consumers. In the US, this role is one of the most in-demand across technology companies, startups, fintech, healthcare, and enterprise organizations. Salaries vary based on programming expertise, system complexity, and product ownership responsibility. Engineers who build scalable, high-performance systems often earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Software Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $120,000 |
| Median Salary | $115,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $80,000 |
| Highest Salary | $185,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Software Engineer
Gender pay differences for Software Engineers in the US are influenced by specialization, experience level, and company size.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $124,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Female | $116,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $120,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps typically reduce at senior levels where salary is closely tied to technical contribution and leadership impact.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Software Engineers in the US typically earn around $80,000 per year. These roles focus on writing code, fixing bugs, and supporting feature development. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of experience. Building strong programming fundamentals is critical for rapid salary growth.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Software Engineers usually earn between $105,000 and $145,000 per year. At this stage, professionals design modules, review code, and contribute to architectural decisions. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience. Strong system design skills and cross-team collaboration often drive higher compensation.
Senior Level
Senior Software Engineers earn $160,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $185,000 in large US technology organizations. These professionals lead development projects, design scalable architectures, and mentor engineering teams. Compensation reflects responsibility for product stability and technical leadership.
Certifications for Software Engineer
- AWS Certified Developer
- Microsoft Azure Developer Associate
- Google Associate Cloud Engineer
- Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)
- Oracle Java Certification
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Programming languages (Python, Java, C++, JavaScript)
- System design and architecture
- Cloud development
- API development
- Database management
- Software testing and debugging
Best-paying cities for Software Engineer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($120,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $142,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $132,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $128,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $124,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $115,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $109,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Dallas, TX | $108,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $121,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $112,000 | ▼ −7% |
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Future Outlook for Software Engineer Compensation
Demand for Software Engineers remains strong as digital transformation continues across industries. Professionals skilled in cloud computing, AI integration, and scalable architecture are expected to maintain competitive salaries in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $110,000 a good salary for a Software Engineer?
Yes, $110,000 is competitive for mid-level roles depending on location and specialization.
Can Software Engineers earn over $170,000?
Yes, senior engineers and those in major technology companies can exceed $170,000 annually.
Do certifications increase Software Engineer salary?
Yes, cloud and platform certifications can improve earning potential, especially in enterprise environments.
Are remote Software Engineer roles common?
Yes, many companies offer fully remote or hybrid engineering positions.
Which industries pay Software Engineers the most?
Technology, fintech, SaaS, and large enterprise organizations typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Software Engineer?
It usually takes 6–10 years of experience in software development roles.
Is Software Engineering a stable career in the US?
Yes, software engineering continues to be one of the most in-demand and stable technical careers.
