Introduction: Software Engineer Salaries
Software engineering continues to be one of the most sought-after and highest-paying professions in the United States. With the growth of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, software engineers remain in high demand across industries. Salaries, however, vary greatly depending on experience, location, and specialization. This guide provides a complete breakdown of software engineer salaries, from entry-level to senior roles, including pay by state and city.
Average Software Engineer Salary in the US
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and market reports, the average software engineer salary in the US is about $118,000 per year, or roughly $56 per hour. This puts software engineering among the top-paying tech jobs, alongside data scientists and IT managers.
Still, averages don’t tell the whole story. Entry-level engineers often start around $80,000, while senior engineers in major tech hubs can easily exceed $160,000. At top companies like Google and Meta, total compensation packages (base salary, bonuses, and stock options) can surpass $200,000.
Entry-Level vs Senior Software Engineer Salary
Salaries increase significantly with years of experience:
- Entry-Level Software Engineer (0–2 years): $75,000 – $95,000
- Mid-Level Software Engineer (3–5 years): $100,000 – $125,000
- Senior Software Engineer (6–9 years): $130,000 – $150,000
- Lead/Principal Engineer (10+ years): $150,000 – $180,000+
Beyond base salary, many engineers receive annual bonuses, signing bonuses, and stock grants that boost total pay.
Software Engineer Salary by State
| State | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $145,000 | $69.70 | Highest-paying state; Silicon Valley & Bay Area jobs |
| Washington | $138,000 | $66.35 | Seattle tech hub, strong demand |
| New York | $132,000 | $63.45 | NYC financial & tech industries |
| Massachusetts | $125,000 | $60.10 | Boston tech and biotech sectors |
| Texas | $112,000 | $53.85 | Austin growing as a major tech hub |
| Florida | $102,000 | $49.00 | Growing remote work market |
| Illinois | $110,000 | $52.90 | Strong salaries in Chicago |
| Pennsylvania | $108,000 | $51.90 | Philadelphia area competitive |
| Ohio | $101,000 | $48.55 | Slightly below national average |
| Alabama | $90,000 | $43.25 | Lower-paying region |
| Mississippi | $85,000 | $40.85 | One of the lowest averages |
Highest-paying states: California, Washington, New York, Massachusetts
Lowest-paying states: Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas
Software Engineer Salary by City and Tech Hub
Major US cities and tech hubs offer the highest salaries but also come with higher living costs:
- San Francisco / Silicon Valley: $155,000+
- Seattle, WA: $140,000 average
- New York City, NY: $135,000 average
- Boston, MA: $125,000 average
- Austin, TX: $115,000 average
Remote roles also continue to grow, with many paying close to tech hub levels regardless of location.
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Software Engineer Salary at FAANG & Big Tech
Top tech firms offer compensation packages far above national averages. FAANG salaries (Facebook/Meta, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google) remain among the most lucrative:
- Google Software Engineer: $135,000 – $190,000 base + stock/bonus
- Meta Software Engineer: $130,000 – $180,000 base + equity
- Amazon Software Engineer: $120,000 – $160,000 base + performance bonus
- Apple Software Engineer: $125,000 – $170,000 base + stock grants
- Netflix Software Engineer: $150,000 – $200,000+ (higher cash salaries, fewer stock options)
Factors Influencing Software Engineer Salary
Several factors affect how much a software engineer earns:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree is standard, but a Master’s in Computer Science can add $10,000–$20,000 to annual salary.
- Specializations: AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity skills bring premium pay.
- Certifications: Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) can lead to higher offers.
- Industry: Finance and healthcare tech often pay above average.
Benefits and Perks in Tech Industry
Beyond salary, software engineers enjoy some of the best perks in any profession:
- Stock options and equity
- Signing bonuses
- Health insurance and retirement plans
- Flexible work schedules and remote options
- Professional development budgets
These extras often add tens of thousands of dollars to total compensation.
Software Engineer Salary at Top Tech Companies
Compensation at major tech firms goes far beyond the national average. At Google, Meta, and Apple, software engineers often start with base salaries above $140,000, while stock options and bonuses push total compensation above $200,000. Amazon engineers typically receive lower base pay compared to other FAANG companies, but long-term stock grants make up the difference. Netflix is unique in offering some of the highest cash salaries, often exceeding $200,000, though stock packages are smaller. For many engineers, working at one of these companies is not only about prestige but also about long-term wealth building through equity.
| Company | Average Base Salary | Total Compensation (Base + Bonus + Stock) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| $145,000 – $190,000 | $180,000 – $220,000 | Strong stock packages and annual bonuses | |
| Meta (Facebook) | $140,000 – $180,000 | $175,000 – $210,000 | High equity compensation, competitive base |
| Amazon | $125,000 – $160,000 | $150,000 – $190,000 | Stock options vesting over several years |
| Apple | $130,000 – $170,000 | $160,000 – $200,000 | Known for stability and generous stock grants |
| Netflix | $150,000 – $200,000 | $170,000 – $220,000 | Higher cash salaries, fewer stock options |
| Microsoft | $130,000 – $165,000 | $155,000 – $195,000 | Consistent pay with solid benefits |
Career Outlook for Software Engineers
The demand for software engineers shows no signs of slowing. According to the BLS, software engineering jobs are projected to grow by 22% between 2020 and 2030, far faster than the average for all occupations. Emerging fields like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing are expected to drive even higher demand, keeping salaries strong.
The software engineer salary in the US highlights why this profession remains one of the most attractive career paths. With average pay of $118,000 and opportunities for six-figure earnings across states and companies, software engineers enjoy both financial rewards and strong job security. While salaries vary by experience and location, the overall outlook remains highly positive for this growing profession.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the average software engineer salary in the US?
Around $118,000 annually, or $56 per hour.
Which states pay software engineers the most?
California, Washington, New York, and Massachusetts lead in pay.
What is the starting salary for software engineers?
Entry-level engineers usually earn between $75,000 and $95,000 annually.
Do software engineers make six figures?
Yes, most mid-level and senior engineers easily surpass $100,000 per year.
Can software engineers make over $200k?
Yes, especially at FAANG companies or in senior/principal roles with stock options and bonuses.
Michael Anderson is a U.S.-based salary and labor market analyst with deep expertise in wage data, career trends, and cost-of-living analysis. At SmartSalaryGuide, he provides reliable, data-driven insights that help readers make informed career and financial decisions. With years of experience studying labor statistics and employment patterns, Michael has developed a reputation for translating complex economic data into clear, actionable guidance. His work empowers professionals, job seekers, and employers alike to better understand the dynamics of today’s job market and plan confidently for the future.