Position
Salary

How much does a Software Engineer make?

The average salary for a Software Engineer is $145,027 per year in the US.

Software engineers create and maintain computer programs and systems. They work in many industries, including tech, finance, and healthcare. The average yearly salary for a software engineer is around $145,000. This is a good income for many people.

The salary for software engineers can vary. Some earn less, while others earn more. Here are some common salaries:

  • 10% earn less than $79,636
  • 25% earn less than $96,673
  • 50% earn less than $113,709
  • 75% earn less than $130,745
  • 90% earn less than $164,818

Experience and skills can affect salary. Senior software engineers and those with special skills often earn more. Location also matters. Some cities pay more than others.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Software Engineer?

Software engineers can find some of the best pay in tech-heavy cities. San Francisco, California, leads with an average salary of $191,506. Seattle, Washington, and San Jose, California, also offer high salaries, with averages around $163,784 and $161,737, respectively. Other cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, and Bend also provide attractive compensation packages for software engineers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Software Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $191,506 and Boulder, CO with the lowest at $145,354.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $191,506
    San Francisco offers a vibrant tech scene with many opportunities. Companies like Google and Salesforce are leading the way. The city's dynamic environment makes it a great place to work.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $163,784
    Seattle is home to tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft. The city's innovative spirit creates a stimulating work environment. Professionals here enjoy a mix of challenges and growth.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $161,737
    San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley. It's a hub for tech companies like Apple and Intel. The city offers many chances to work on cutting-edge projects.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $160,088
    San Diego has a growing tech industry with companies like Qualcomm and eBay. The city's mild climate and beautiful beaches make it a pleasant place to live and work.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $159,136
    Los Angeles is a major tech center with companies like Google and Amazon. The city offers a diverse work environment and many networking opportunities.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $147,281
    Bend is known for its outdoor activities and tech companies. It's a great place for those who enjoy nature and innovation. Companies like Autodesk are based here.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Bend, OR


  7. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $147,201
    Hartford offers a mix of tech and insurance companies. It's a good place for those who want a stable job. Companies like Aetna and Travelers are prominent here.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Hartford, CT


  8. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $146,908
    Stamford is a hub for financial and tech companies. It's a great place for those who want a mix of finance and tech. Companies like UBS and SAP are based here.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Stamford, CT


  9. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $146,559
    Boston is a historic city with a strong tech presence. Companies like IBM and Fidelity are leaders here. The city offers a mix of tradition and innovation.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $145,354
    Boulder is known for its outdoor lifestyle and tech companies. It's a great place for those who enjoy the outdoors. Companies like Google and MongoDB are based here.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO

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

Job seekers looking for top-paying software engineering roles should consider Netflix, which offers an average salary of $432,086. Following closely is OpenAI, with an average salary of $335,750. Roblox also stands out, providing an average salary of $289,449 for software engineers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Software Engineer jobs, highlighting Netflix with the highest at $432,086 and Zillow with the lowest at $233,526.
  1. Netflix
    Average Salary: $432,086
    Netflix offers exciting opportunities for Software Engineers. They work on a variety of projects to improve streaming services. Netflix operates globally, with major offices in Los Gatos, California, and international offices in countries like the UK, Canada, and India.


  2. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $335,750
    OpenAI is at the forefront of artificial intelligence research. Software Engineers here develop cutting-edge AI technologies. The company is based in San Francisco, California, and has offices in other tech hubs.


  3. Roblox
    Average Salary: $289,449
    Roblox provides a platform for millions of gamers. Software Engineers create tools and features to enhance the gaming experience. Roblox is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with offices in several countries.


  4. HubSpot
    Average Salary: $285,623
    HubSpot offers software for marketing, sales, and customer service. Software Engineers build and improve these tools. The company is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has offices worldwide.


  5. West Monroe
    Average Salary: $276,725
    West Monroe helps companies transform with technology. Software Engineers work on projects to improve business operations. They have offices in New York, Chicago, and other major cities.


  6. Datadog
    Average Salary: $247,474
    Datadog provides monitoring and analytics for IT systems. Software Engineers develop tools to help businesses manage their tech infrastructure. They operate globally, with headquarters in New York City.


  7. Pinterest
    Average Salary: $244,806
    Pinterest is a visual discovery platform. Software Engineers create features that help users find and save ideas. The company is based in San Francisco, California, with offices in other tech hubs.


  8. Sigma Computing
    Average Salary: $243,030
    Sigma Computing offers tools for data analysis. Software Engineers build features to make data easier to understand. They are headquartered in San Francisco, California.


  9. ID.me
    Average Salary: $242,083
    ID.me provides digital identity verification services. Software Engineers develop secure and reliable systems. They have offices in Washington, D.C., and other locations.


  10. Zillow
    Average Salary: $233,526
    Zillow is a real estate marketplace. Software Engineers create tools to help users find homes. The company is based in Seattle, Washington, with offices in other major cities.

How to earn more as a Software Engineer?

Aspiring software engineers can explore various avenues to increase their earnings. One effective strategy involves gaining specialized skills that are in high demand. Companies often pay a premium for expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Continuous learning and certification can significantly boost earning potential.

Another factor is gaining experience in multiple programming languages and technologies. Versatility makes a software engineer more valuable to potential employers. Employers prefer candidates who can adapt to different environments and technologies. This adaptability can lead to higher salary offers and more job opportunities. Networking with industry professionals and attending tech conferences can also open doors to better-paying positions. Building a strong professional network can lead to job referrals and insider information about high-paying roles. Lastly, relocating to areas with a higher cost of living and greater demand for tech talent can result in higher salaries. Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle often offer higher wages for software engineers.

Consider these factors to enhance earning potential:

  1. Gain specialized skills in high-demand areas.
  2. Learn multiple programming languages and technologies.
  3. Build a strong professional network.
  4. Consider relocating to tech hubs.
  5. Pursue certifications and continuous learning.

Currently 8,993 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
8,993 Job Openings