Frequently asked questions about Software Engineer salaries
The average salary for Software Engineer is $133,093 per year or $64 per hour, with top earners making up to $206,632 (90th percentile). Typically, pay ranges from $106,559 (25th percentile) to $168,335 (75th percentile) annually. Salary estimates are based on 690916 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Software Engineer employees.
The highest salary for Software Engineer is $168,335 per year, $14,028 per month or $81 per hour.
The lowest salary for Software Engineer is $106,559 per year, $8,880 per month or $51 per hour.
The salary trajectory of Software Engineer ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at $150,267 per year (estimate) and goes up to $369,766 per year (estimate) for the highest level of seniority.
Software engineers are paid well above average, often receiving six-figure salaries. The pay range reflects the demand for their skillset and the profitability of the products they develop. Candidates with prior experience in the field or higher levels of education generally receive higher salaries. Pay is expected to grow as the digital transformation reaches a global level. Software engineers can further increase their total pay by pursuing freelance consulting opportunities.
With a post-graduate degree, a couple of years' work experience, and annual bonuses, a software engineer's salary can qualify as good money. Anonymous Glassdoor ratings indicate that around 73% of software engineers are satisfied with their salaries.
The total pay for software engineers following the average career path can stretch from $98,120.85 to $234,679.64 per year, depending on the level of experience. Total pay includes salaries, bonuses, and other benefits with a monetary value. After working a few years and gaining enough experience, you could enter the ranks of principal software engineers and earn higher total pay.
If you want to earn more from your career as a software engineer, or you'd like to apply for a new position with a higher salary, ask yourself what you can bring to the table. If you hold an associate's degree, the next step would be to complete your bachelor's in software engineering. And after that, consider acquiring your master's degree or a doctorate.
Learn new skills that are in high demand for your field. Add credibility to your skills by obtaining certifications from well-known authorities such as Microsoft, C (programming language), and CIW.
If you enjoy your job as a software engineer but would like to earn a higher salary, you could ask for a salary increase, provided that you can back up your request. If your job responsibilities have multiplied, you've been promoted, or you find out you're being underpaid, consider starting a dialogue with your bosses. Point out what you've brought to the company or any skills and certifications that set you apart. A 3% increase is standard, but ask for more to kick off negotiations.
Software engineers new to a company should highlight their most sought-after skills and experience to motivate a higher starting salary.
Recent salaries shared by Engineer Developer
50 salaries
Job Title | Years of Experience
Total Pay
Base • Additional pay
Location
Date submitted
Job Title | Years of Experience
Location
Date submitted
Total Pay
Base • Additional pay
Software Engineer
|
4-6 years
$149K - $172K/yr
Mill Valley, CA
submitted on Jun 22, 2026
$149K - $172K/yr
Software Engineer
|
4-6 years
$153K/yr
($94K • $59K)
Mill Valley, CA
submitted on Jun 22, 2026
$153K/yr
$94K • $59K
Software Engineer
|
4-6 years
$92K - $108K/yr
Mill Valley, CA
submitted on Jun 22, 2026
$92K - $108K/yr
Software Engineer
|
4-6 years
$149K - $171K/yr
Mill Valley, CA
submitted on Jun 22, 2026
$149K - $171K/yr
Software Engineer
|
4-6 years
$148K - $172K/yr
Mill Valley, CA
submitted on Jun 22, 2026
$148K - $172K/yr
Anonymously share your salary to help the community.
Software Engineer
|
4-6 years
$93K - $107K/yr
Mill Valley, CA
submitted on Jun 22, 2026
$93K - $107K/yr
Software Engineer
|
4-6 years
$92K - $108K/yr
Mill Valley, CA
submitted on Jun 22, 2026
$92K - $108K/yr
Software Engineer
|
4-6 years
$93K - $107K/yr
Mill Valley, CA
submitted on Jun 22, 2026
$93K - $107K/yr
Software Engineer
|
4-6 years
$92K - $108K/yr
Mill Valley, CA
submitted on Jun 22, 2026
$92K - $108K/yr
Software Engineer
|
4-6 years
$92K - $108K/yr
Mill Valley, CA
submitted on Jun 22, 2026
$92K - $108K/yr
Viewing 41 - 50 of 50
Glassdoor Economist Pay Overview
What is the pay outlook for Engineering?
Engineering jobs are in high demand with workers receiving generous compensation packages and bonuses. Engineering offers ample opportunity for growth and development with transferable skills across an array of fields from software, supply chain and logistics to aerospace. Most roles require at least a bachelor’s degree. To remain competitive, job-seekers should consider specialization or skill-specific programs such as coding boot-camps or certifications.
Software Engineer salary in US
A Software Engineer salary range in US can vary based on important factors such as education, skills, certifications, and years of experience. A Software Engineer in US can expect to see an entry level salary range of $44,489 to $296,112 per year, based on 16 salary contributions. At the highest seniority level, an experienced Software Engineer in US can make a salary range of $137,721 to $235,676 with at least 8 years of experience, based on 518 salary contributions. The top 3 companies in US where a Software Engineer gets the highest compensation are Reed Exhibitions, TikTok and NVIDIA Corporation. Bigger companies typically pay 18.41% more than smaller companies for a Software Engineer.