Position
Salary

How much does a Software Engineer make?

The average salary for a Software Engineer is $149,078 per year in the US.

Being a Software Engineer often means working with great technology and solving challenging problems. These professionals create software that helps businesses, governments, and people every day. The average yearly salary for a Software Engineer stands at approximately $149,078, making it a well-rewarded field. Many software engineers enjoy good job stability and opportunities for career growth.

The salary range for Software Engineers can vary significantly based on experience and specialization. The lowest 10% earn around $64,500, while the top 10% earn more than $255,000 annually. This wide range shows that with more experience and skills, a Software Engineer can achieve higher pay. This field offers a bright career path for those interested in technology and programming.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Software Engineer?

San Francisco, CA, leads as the highest paying city for software engineers, offering an average salary of nearly $197,000. Seattle, WA, and San Diego, CA, follow closely, with average salaries of around $168,000 and $164,000 respectively. These cities provide some of the best opportunities for software engineers looking to maximize their earnings. Other notable cities include San Jose, CA, and Los Angeles, CA, both with salaries surpassing $160,000. Engineers in these tech hubs enjoy competitive compensation packages. Smaller cities like Boulder, CO, and Bend, OR, also offer high salaries, making them attractive options for those willing to relocate.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Software Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $197,152 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $146,556.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $197,152
    San Francisco offers a vibrant tech scene with top firms like Google and Salesforce. Engineers here enjoy a dynamic environment with many opportunities for innovation.
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  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $168,409
    Seattle is home to tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. It provides a mix of urban life and tech innovation, making it a great place for developers.
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  3. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $164,582
    San Diego has a strong tech community with companies like Qualcomm and Square. The climate and lifestyle make it an attractive spot for engineers.
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  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $164,261
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, boasts companies like Apple and Intel. It is a hub for tech innovation and career growth for developers.
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  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $162,265
    Los Angeles has a growing tech scene with firms like Uber and Snapchat. The city offers a blend of entertainment and tech opportunities.
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  6. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $152,273
    Boulder combines a small-town feel with a strong tech presence. Companies like CH2M Hill and Google attract talent looking for a balanced lifestyle.
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  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $151,165
    Boston offers a mix of history and tech innovation. With companies like Fidelity and General Electric, it is a great place for professional growth.
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  8. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $150,992
    Bend provides a more relaxed atmosphere with a growing tech sector. Companies like Autodesk offer a chance to work in a scenic setting.
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  9. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $148,959
    Hartford is home to insurance tech firms like The Hartford. It offers a blend of industry experience and modern tech opportunities.
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  10. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $146,556
    Austin is known for its vibrant culture and tech growth. Companies like Dell and Google make it a hot spot for tech professionals.
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What are the best companies a Software Engineer can work for?

Top companies for software engineers offer excellent salaries and benefits. Netflix, OpenAI, and Roblox lead the way, with average salaries above $250,000. Other notable firms include West Monroe, Mirage, and Datadog, all with competitive compensation packages. These companies attract top talent with their high salaries and innovative projects. Pinterest, Sigma Computing, ID.me, and Plaid also provide attractive opportunities for software engineers. Exploring these companies can help job seekers find fulfilling and well-paying positions.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Software Engineer jobs, highlighting Netflix with the highest at $422,595 and Plaid with the lowest at $240,740.
  1. Netflix
    Average Salary: $422,595
    Netflix offers exciting Software Engineer roles, contributing to the world's leading streaming platform. Their team shapes the future of entertainment. Netflix operates worldwide with a strong presence in the USA, Canada, and parts of Europe.


  2. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $336,073
    At OpenAI, Software Engineers work on cutting-edge technology. They develop AI that impacts many fields. The company is based in San Francisco, California, with a global reach.


  3. Roblox
    Average Salary: $281,729
    Join Roblox as a Software Engineer and create innovative gaming experiences. This company is known for its creative online platform. Roblox is based in San Francisco, CA, with offices around the world.


  4. West Monroe
    Average Salary: $280,133
    West Monroe offers Software Engineers opportunities to solve complex business challenges. They use technology to drive change. The company operates across the USA and parts of Europe.


  5. Mirage
    Average Salary: $266,053
    Mirage provides Software Engineer positions focused on delivering top-notch IT solutions. They work on projects that transform businesses. Mirage has offices in the USA and Europe.


  6. Datadog
    Average Salary: $250,833
    Datadog employs Software Engineers who build tools to monitor and analyze IT systems. They help businesses run smoothly. The company has offices in the USA, Europe, and Asia.


  7. Sigma Computing
    Average Salary: $244,259
    Sigma Computing offers roles for Software Engineers interested in data analytics. They create software that makes data insights accessible. The company operates in the USA and Canada.


  8. Pinterest
    Average Salary: $242,470
    Pinterest provides Software Engineer positions focused on enhancing user experience. They work on projects that improve the platform. Pinterest has offices in San Francisco, CA, and internationally.


  9. ID.me
    Average Salary: $241,339
    ID.me offers Software Engineer roles that focus on security and identity verification. They develop tools to protect user data. The company operates in the USA with a global presence.


  10. Plaid
    Average Salary: $240,740
    Plaid employs Software Engineers to build financial technology solutions. They work on projects that make banking easier. Plaid operates in the USA and Europe.

How to earn more as a Software Engineer?

Becoming a top-earning software engineer involves more than just coding skills. It requires strategic career moves and continuous learning. Here are some effective strategies to consider for increasing your earnings in this field.

First, gaining experience in high-demand technologies can boost your value. Languages like Python, Java, and C++ remain popular. Specializing in cutting-edge areas like artificial intelligence or cloud computing can also lead to higher-paying positions. Certifications from recognized bodies can further validate your expertise. These credentials can open doors to lucrative job opportunities.

Second, consider working on open-source projects. Contributing to these can enhance your portfolio and demonstrate your skills to potential employers. It also shows your commitment to the field.

  1. Learn in-demand technologies
  2. Work on open-source projects
  3. Earn relevant certifications
  4. Seek leadership roles
  5. Negotiate your salary

Currently 6,245 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
6,245 Job Openings