How much does a Software Engineer make?
Software engineers create and maintain computer programs and applications. They work in many different industries, from tech companies to healthcare. Their skills are in high demand. This demand often leads to good salaries. The average yearly salary for a software engineer is around $145,685. This number can change based on experience, location, and the company.
Here are some salary ranges for software engineers at different experience levels:
- Entry-level: $62,000 to $79,091
- Mid-level: $96,182 to $113,273
- Senior-level: $130,364 to $147,455
- Principal-level: $164,545 to $181,636
- Director-level: $198,727 to $215,818
- Executive-level: $232,909 to $250,000
What are the highest paying cities for a Software Engineer?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $192,095
In San Francisco, tech innovation thrives. Many top companies like Google and Salesforce offer exciting opportunities. The city's vibrant culture enhances the professional experience.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $164,668
Seattle is a hub for tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft. The city offers a mix of urban life and nature. Professionals enjoy a high quality of life here.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $161,939
San Jose is known as the heart of Silicon Valley. Companies like Apple and Cisco provide numerous job openings. The tech scene here is always buzzing with new ideas.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $161,675
San Diego offers a blend of beach life and tech jobs. Companies like Qualcomm and eBay are based here. The city provides a relaxed yet productive work environment.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $159,135
Los Angeles is a major center for tech jobs. Companies like Amazon and Google have a strong presence. The city's diverse culture adds to the work experience.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $148,506
Boston is rich in history and tech talent. Companies like IBM and Fidelity are prominent here. The city offers a mix of tradition and innovation.
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Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $147,626
Hartford is a growing tech hub with companies like United Technologies. The city offers a balance of work and leisure. Professionals here enjoy a supportive community.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $147,112
Boulder offers a unique mix of outdoor activities and tech jobs. Companies like Google and Tableau are based here. The city's scenic beauty enhances the work experience.
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Bend, OR
Average Salary: $146,646
Bend is a smaller city with a growing tech scene. Companies like Autodesk and Hover are present. The city offers a peaceful environment with plenty of outdoor activities.
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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $144,235
Stamford is home to many large corporations like Xerox and United Technologies. The city offers a mix of business and leisure. Professionals here enjoy a vibrant community.
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What are the best companies a Software Engineer can work for?

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Netflix
Average Salary: $428,832
Netflix offers exciting Software Engineer jobs in various locations. They focus on streaming technology and entertainment. Their main office is in Los Gatos, California, with other offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.
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OpenAI
Average Salary: $332,306
OpenAI provides Software Engineer jobs that focus on artificial intelligence. They work on cutting-edge technology to advance AI. Their main office is in San Francisco, California, with additional offices in New York City and London.
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Roblox
Average Salary: $289,449
Roblox offers Software Engineer jobs that focus on game development and online platforms. They create a fun and interactive environment for users. Their main office is in San Mateo, California, with additional offices in Dublin, Ireland, and Tokyo, Japan.
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HubSpot
Average Salary: $285,623
HubSpot offers Software Engineer jobs that focus on marketing and sales software. They help businesses grow and succeed. Their main office is in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in Dublin, Ireland, and Sydney, Australia.
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West Monroe
Average Salary: $280,133
West Monroe offers Software Engineer jobs that focus on consulting and technology solutions. They work with businesses to improve their operations. Their main office is in New York City, with additional offices in San Francisco and London.
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Datadog
Average Salary: $247,474
Datadog offers Software Engineer jobs that focus on monitoring and analytics for IT systems. They help businesses keep their systems running smoothly. Their main office is in New York City, with additional offices in San Francisco and Dublin, Ireland.
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Sigma Computing
Average Salary: $243,625
Sigma Computing offers Software Engineer jobs that focus on data analytics and business intelligence. They help businesses make better decisions with data. Their main office is in San Francisco, California, with additional offices in New York City and New Orleans.
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Pinterest
Average Salary: $243,145
Pinterest offers Software Engineer jobs that focus on social media and visual discovery. They help users find and share ideas. Their main office is in San Francisco, California, with additional offices in New York City and Los Angeles.
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ID.me
Average Salary: $242,083
ID.me offers Software Engineer jobs that focus on identity verification and security. They help protect users' identities online. Their main office is in Alexandria, Virginia, with additional offices in San Francisco and New York City.
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Klaviyo
Average Salary: $235,000
Klaviyo offers Software Engineer jobs that focus on email marketing and customer engagement. They help businesses connect with their customers. Their main office is in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional offices in New York City and London.
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 programming languages and technologies. Companies often pay more for specialists in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Continuous learning and certification can enhance skills and open up higher-paying opportunities. Networking with industry professionals and attending tech conferences can also lead to job offers with better compensation packages.
Another factor to consider is the choice of employment. Working for a top-tier tech company or a startup with growth potential can lead to higher salaries. Experience also plays a crucial role. Senior software engineers with a proven track record often earn more than their junior counterparts. Additionally, relocating to a city with a higher cost of living and a tech hub can result in higher pay. Lastly, negotiating salary effectively during job offers or performance reviews can lead to better compensation over time.
Here are five key factors to consider for earning more as a software engineer:
- Specialize in high-demand skills
- Choose the right employer
- Gain experience and expertise
- Relocate to tech hubs
- Negotiate effectively



