Software Engineer Salary in Washington, DC

Updated on May 09, 2025
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City
Salary

How much does a Software Engineer make in Washington, DC?

The average salary for a Software Engineer is $130,822 per year in Washington, DC.

In Washington, DC, a Software Engineer earns a competitive salary. The average salary for this role is around $130,822 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, skills, and the specific company. Entry-level positions may start at about $75,000, while senior roles can reach up to $210,500.

Several factors influence these salary figures. Experience plays a big role, with more seasoned engineers earning higher salaries. Skills in high-demand technologies, like cloud computing or artificial intelligence, can also boost earnings. Companies in tech hubs often pay more to attract top talent. Job seekers can expect to see a range of salaries, with many opportunities for growth and advancement.

Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC

What are the highest paying cities for a Software Engineer near Washington, DC?

Chevy Chase, MD, offers the highest pay for software engineers near Washington, DC, with an average salary of $159,539. Arlington, VA, and Woodbridge, VA, follow closely, with average salaries of $134,072 and $129,631, respectively. These cities provide excellent opportunities for software engineers seeking competitive compensation.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Software Engineer jobs near Washington, DC, highlighting Chevy Chase, MD with the highest at $159,539 and Falls Church, VA with the lowest at $120,142.
  1. Chevy Chase, MD
    Average Salary: $159,539
    In Chevy Chase, tech companies thrive. Engineers work on cutting-edge projects. Notable firms include Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Chevy Chase, MD


  2. Arlington, VA
    Average Salary: $134,072
    Arlington offers a vibrant tech scene. Engineers collaborate on innovative solutions. Key employers are Amazon and Capital One.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Arlington, VA


  3. Woodbridge, VA
    Average Salary: $129,631
    Woodbridge has a growing tech industry. Engineers develop software for various sectors. Companies like Verizon and Northrop Grumman are prominent.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Woodbridge, VA


  4. Annapolis, MD
    Average Salary: $129,449
    Annapolis combines tech and tradition. Engineers create software for government and private sectors. Key employers include the U.S. Naval Academy and Lockheed Martin.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Annapolis, MD


  5. Fairfax, VA
    Average Salary: $129,037
    Fairfax is a hub for tech innovation. Engineers work on diverse projects. Major companies include Northrop Grumman and Amazon.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Fairfax, VA


  6. Bethesda, MD
    Average Salary: $128,558
    Bethesda offers a dynamic tech environment. Engineers innovate in healthcare and finance. Key employers include Lockheed Martin and Capital One.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Bethesda, MD


  7. Alexandria, VA
    Average Salary: $123,517
    Alexandria has a thriving tech sector. Engineers develop software for various industries. Notable firms include Amazon and Verizon.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Alexandria, VA


  8. Silver Spring, MD
    Average Salary: $123,318
    Silver Spring is a tech-friendly city. Engineers work on exciting projects. Key employers include Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD


  9. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $121,420
    Baltimore offers a vibrant tech scene. Engineers innovate in finance and healthcare. Key employers include Under Armour and Johns Hopkins University.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD


  10. Falls Church, VA
    Average Salary: $120,142
    Falls Church has a growing tech industry. Engineers work on cutting-edge projects. Key employers include Northrop Grumman and Capital One.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Falls Church, VA

What are the best paying companies for a Software Engineer in Washington, DC?

Job seekers in Washington, DC, looking for top-paying software engineering roles have several excellent options. Companies like Berkeley Research Group, LLC, CoStar Group, and SpaceX offer competitive salaries. These firms provide not only high pay but also opportunities for professional growth and development.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, highlighting Berkeley Research Group, LLC with the highest at $229,286 and Gray Tier Technologies with the lowest at $150,667.
  1. Berkeley Research Group, LLC
    Average Salary: $229,286
    Berkeley Research Group, LLC, located in Washington, DC, offers Software Engineer jobs with a focus on data analysis and consulting. They work with clients in various sectors, providing expert insights and solutions.


  2. CoStar Group
    Average Salary: $196,244
    CoStar Group, based in Washington, DC, provides software solutions for the real estate industry. Software Engineers here develop tools that help clients make informed decisions. The company has offices across the U.S.


  3. SpaceX
    Average Salary: $184,182
    SpaceX, located in Washington, DC, offers exciting Software Engineer jobs focused on aerospace technology. Engineers work on cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of space exploration.


  4. GE Healthcare
    Average Salary: $178,068
    GE Healthcare, with a presence in Washington, DC, provides Software Engineer jobs in the healthcare sector. Engineers here develop software that improves patient care and medical technology.


  5. DCI Solutions
    Average Salary: $173,295
    DCI Solutions, based in Washington, DC, offers Software Engineer jobs focused on government and defense projects. Engineers work on secure and reliable software solutions for critical applications.


  6. AppFolio
    Average Salary: $162,400
    AppFolio, located in Washington, DC, provides Software Engineer jobs in the property management industry. Engineers here develop software that helps property managers streamline their operations.


  7. Motion Recruitment
    Average Salary: $162,273
    Motion Recruitment, based in Washington, DC, offers Software Engineer jobs with a focus on recruitment technology. Engineers work on software that helps companies find and hire the best talent.


  8. Amtrak
    Average Salary: $162,054
    Amtrak, with a presence in Washington, DC, provides Software Engineer jobs in the transportation sector. Engineers here develop software that improves train operations and passenger experience.


  9. The Washington Post
    Average Salary: $153,650
    The Washington Post, located in Washington, DC, offers Software Engineer jobs in the media industry. Engineers work on software that enhances digital content delivery and reader engagement.


  10. Gray Tier Technologies
    Average Salary: $150,667
    Gray Tier Technologies, based in Washington, DC, provides Software Engineer jobs focused on cybersecurity. Engineers work on software that protects sensitive information and systems from cyber threats.

Currently 7,791 Software Engineer job openings, nationwide.

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

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Position
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Software Engineer
7,791 Job Openings