Position
Salary

How much does a Software Engineer make?

The average salary for a Software Engineer is $148,007 per year in the US.

Software Engineers create and maintain the software that powers our devices and systems. They work in many different areas, from web development to mobile apps. The average yearly salary for a Software Engineer is around $148,000. This is a rewarding career with good pay.


The salary for Software Engineers can vary based on experience and location. Entry-level positions may start around $63,800. As experience grows, salaries can reach over $250,000. Some of the highest-paying areas for Software Engineers include finance, healthcare, and technology. Companies in big cities like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle often offer higher salaries. Experience with popular programming languages and frameworks can also lead to higher pay.

View Software Engineer jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Software Engineer?

Software engineers can find some of the best pay in cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and San Diego. These cities offer top salaries for their tech talent. Job seekers should consider these locations for high-paying opportunities.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Software Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $196,103 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $145,349.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $196,103
    In San Francisco, tech innovation thrives. Many top companies like Google and Salesforce offer exciting opportunities. The city's vibrant culture enhances the work experience.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $167,366
    Seattle is a hub for tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft. The city offers a mix of urban and natural beauty. Employees enjoy a high quality of life.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $163,779
    San Diego boasts a thriving tech scene with companies like Qualcomm and Illumina. The city's pleasant climate makes it a great place to live and work.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $163,231
    San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley. It's home to many tech companies like Cisco and Adobe. The city offers a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $161,369
    Los Angeles is a major tech center with companies like Amazon and Google. The city offers a diverse and vibrant work culture. It's a great place for career growth.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $150,243
    Boston is rich in tech talent and innovation. Companies like IBM and Fidelity are prominent here. The city offers a blend of history and modern opportunities.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $150,100
    Boulder offers a unique mix of tech and outdoor activities. Companies like Google and MongoDB are present. The city's scenic beauty enhances the lifestyle.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO


  8. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $149,044
    Bend is a growing tech hub with companies like Autodesk and New Relic. The city offers a laid-back atmosphere and outdoor adventures. It's a great place to balance work and leisure.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Bend, OR


  9. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $148,579
    Hartford is a hub for tech companies like United Technologies. The city offers a vibrant community and a mix of urban and suburban living. It's a great place for career development.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Hartford, CT


  10. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $145,349
    Austin is known for its tech boom and live music scene. Companies like Dell and Apple are prominent here. The city offers a fun and dynamic work environment.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Austin, TX

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

Netflix, OpenAI, and HubSpot offer top salaries for software engineers. These companies pay well because they value skilled tech talent. Job seekers should consider these firms for high-paying opportunities. Roblox, West Monroe, and Mirage also provide competitive pay. These companies recognize the importance of skilled engineers. They offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Software Engineer jobs, highlighting Netflix with the highest at $427,623 and Pinterest with the lowest at $242,470.
  1. Netflix
    Average Salary: $427,623
    Netflix offers exciting Software Engineer roles in Los Gatos, California, and other locations. They focus on streaming technology and user experience. Engineers work on projects that improve video streaming and user interface.


  2. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $337,805
    OpenAI provides opportunities for Software Engineers in San Francisco, California, and other areas. They work on artificial intelligence and machine learning projects. Engineers develop tools and systems that push the boundaries of AI technology.


  3. HubSpot
    Average Salary: $313,730
    HubSpot offers Software Engineer jobs in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and other locations. They focus on marketing, sales, and service software. Engineers create tools that help businesses grow and connect with customers.


  4. Roblox
    Average Salary: $284,976
    Roblox provides Software Engineer roles in San Mateo, California, and other areas. They work on online gaming and virtual experiences. Engineers develop features that enhance user interaction and game development.


  5. West Monroe
    Average Salary: $280,133
    West Monroe offers Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, Illinois, and other locations. They focus on consulting and technology solutions. Engineers work on projects that help businesses improve their technology and operations.


  6. Mirage
    Average Salary: $265,667
    Mirage provides Software Engineer roles in Boston, Massachusetts, and other areas. They work on software development and consulting. Engineers create solutions that meet the needs of their clients.


  7. Datadog
    Average Salary: $250,833
    Datadog offers Software Engineer jobs in New York, New York, and other locations. They focus on monitoring and analytics for IT systems. Engineers develop tools that help businesses track and manage their IT infrastructure.


  8. Sigma Computing
    Average Salary: $244,259
    Sigma Computing provides Software Engineer roles in San Francisco, California, and other areas. They work on data analytics and visualization. Engineers create tools that help businesses analyze and understand their data.


  9. ID.me
    Average Salary: $243,922
    ID.me offers Software Engineer jobs in Alexandria, Virginia, and other locations. They focus on identity verification and security. Engineers develop systems that protect user identities and data.


  10. Pinterest
    Average Salary: $242,470
    Pinterest provides Software Engineer roles in San Francisco, California, and other areas. They work on visual discovery and social media. Engineers create features that help users discover and share content.

How to earn more as a Software Engineer?

Aspiring software engineers can explore various avenues to increase their earnings. One effective strategy is to gain expertise in high-demand technologies. Companies often pay more for skills in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Another way to earn more is to take on leadership roles. Managers and team leads typically receive higher salaries than individual contributors. Continuous learning and professional development also play a crucial role. Attending workshops, earning certifications, and contributing to open-source projects can enhance one's value in the job market.

Location and industry can significantly impact earnings. Software engineers in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City often earn more than those in other areas. Additionally, working in industries such as finance or healthcare can offer higher salaries. Networking and building a strong professional reputation can open doors to better-paying opportunities. Engaging with industry events, joining professional organizations, and maintaining an active online presence can lead to lucrative job offers.

Currently 6,702 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
Overview
Software Engineer
6,702 Job Openings