TLDR
Being a software engineering student, you might be wondering what a software engineer actually earns in the United States. This question comes up for nearly every engineer planning their next career move, whether they’re fresh out of school or eyeing a senior role.
On average, a software engineer in the US earns between $130,000 and $150,000 in base pay. Giving one exact number is tricky because the salary depends heavily on location, company size, specialization, and experience.
The United States is home to some of the most competitive tech companies in the world — Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Tesla, Meta, and hundreds of fast-growing startups. For a broader view of how software engineering pay compares across the entire IT industry, the full IT salaries breakdown is worth exploring.
This guide covers software engineer salaries by experience level, city, state, company, specialization, and programming language — including niche roles like firmware engineers, HPC engineers, distributed systems engineers, and FPGA engineers that most salary guides skip over.
Average Software Engineer Salary in the United States
Software engineering remains one of the most well-compensated professions in the country in 2026.
Demand has held up. AI expansion, cloud infrastructure growth, and digital transformation across nearly every industry have kept hiring competitive. Engineers with the right skills still hold strong leverage in salary negotiations.
Different salary platforms pull from different data sources, so the numbers vary. Stacking them together gives the most reliable picture.
Glassdoor, drawing from over 712,000 salary submissions as of March 2026, puts the average at $148,764 per year. ZipRecruiter reports $147,524, with most salaries falling between $120,000 and $173,000. Built In reports an average base of $139,749, with total compensation reaching $159,212 when bonuses are included. Indeed puts the average at $130,987, while ERI reports $130,557.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS 2024 data puts the median at $130,160 annually for software developers, with approximately 1.79 million professionals employed nationwide.
A fair cross-platform estimate for 2026 lands between $130,000 and $150,000 in base pay.
| Source | Average Base Salary (US) | Data Updated |
| Glassdoor | $148,764 | March 2026 |
| ZipRecruiter | $147,524 | March 2026 |
| Built In | $139,749 | 2026 |
| Indeed | $130,987 | March 2026 |
| BLS (Median) | $130,160 | May 2024 |
| ERI | $130,557 | 2026 |
| PayScale | $97,586 | January 2026 |
For a full year-by-year view of where salaries have moved, the software engineer salary trends and comparisons guide covers the data in more detail.
US Software Engineer Salary Comparison: 2024, 2025, and 2026
In 2024, the national median was approximately $115,000, driven by cloud and SaaS growth. In 2025, that pushed to $120,000 to $130,000, with AI expansion and cybersecurity demand playing a big role. By 2026, the average now sits at $130,000 to $150,000 in base pay.
| Year | National Average (Estimated) | Key Drivers |
| 2024 | ~$115,000 | Cloud computing, SaaS growth |
| 2025 | $120,000 – $130,000 | AI expansion, DevOps, cybersecurity |
| 2026 | $130,000 – $150,000 | AI maturity, semiconductor growth, cloud infrastructure |
Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Experience is the single biggest lever on your paycheck. Each step up the career ladder brings meaningful increases in responsibility, and compensation follows. For the most detailed breakdown of how pay grows at each stage, the guide on software engineer salary by experience covers it level by level.
Entry Level Software Engineer (0–2 Years)
Entry-level engineers in 2026 typically earn between $75,000 and $92,000 per year. Salary.com puts the average at $81,700. ERI reports $89,444 for engineers with one to three years of experience.
At FAANG-tier companies, junior engineers can earn $180,000 or more in total compensation even right out of school. For a detailed look at what new grads should realistically expect, the entry level software engineer salary guide covers the full picture including by company and city.
Junior Software Engineer (2–4 Years)
Junior engineers with two to four years of experience generally earn between $90,000 and $115,000 per year. At top-tier companies, total compensation for this group ranges from $120,000 to $130,000.
Mid-Level Software Engineer (3–6 Years)
Mid-level engineers who can work independently and own features are well-compensated. Glassdoor reports an average of $170,365, with a range of $137,512 to $213,980.
Senior Software Engineer (6–10 Years)
Glassdoor puts the average senior software engineer salary in the United States at $202,720, with top earners reaching $315,608. At Meta, senior engineers average around $380,000 in total comp. At Google, around $302,000 according to Levels.fyi.
Principal Software Engineer (10+ Years)
Principal engineers typically earn $180,000 to $220,000 in base pay, with equity pushing total compensation far higher. A Principal Engineer at Google can earn over $1.2 million in total compensation at the top of the band.
| Experience Level | Average Base Salary (US) | Total Comp at FAANG |
| Entry Level (0–2 yrs) | $75,000 – $92,000 | ~$180,000+ |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $90,000 – $115,000 | ~$200,000+ |
| Mid-Level (3–6 yrs) | $140,000 – $170,000 | ~$250,000 |
| Senior (6–10 yrs) | $162,000 – $256,000 | $300,000 – $380,000 |
| Principal (10+ yrs) | $180,000 – $220,000+ | $450,000 – $1,000,000+ |
Firmware Engineer Salary in the United States (2025–2026)
Firmware engineers write low-level code that controls embedded systems, microcontrollers, and hardware devices. Because the skill set is specific and the talent pool is smaller, firmware engineers tend to earn above the general software engineering average.
What does a firmware engineer make in the US?
Firmware Engineer Salary by Experience:
Top paying companies: Google, Meta, Apple, iRhythm Technologies, Illumina — and aerospace & defense firms.
Top paying states: California ($90,585), Massachusetts ($89,378), Washington ($89,049), New Jersey ($89,017)
| Source | Average Firmware Engineer Salary US |
| Glassdoor | $164,949/yr |
| ZipRecruiter | $167,438/yr |
| Indeed | $146,423/yr |
| PayScale (median) | $97,057/yr |
High Performance Computing (HPC) Engineer Salary in the United States (2025–2026)
HPC engineers design and optimize software for high-performance computing clusters, scientific simulations, and large-scale data processing systems. Roles in this field are common in national labs, defense contractors, and companies running massive compute infrastructure.
What is the average HPC engineer salary in the US?
Senior HPC Engineer Salary: Glassdoor reports an average senior HPC engineer salary of $134,964 per year, with top earners reaching $215,643.
Top paying companies: Amazon, Intel, Rescale, SLB, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
| Experience | Avg HPC Engineer Salary US |
| Entry / Mid-Level | $95,000 – $130,000/yr |
| Senior | $135,000 – $188,000/yr |
| Top 10% | $200,000 – $236,000+/yr |
Engineers with expertise in MPI, CUDA, parallel algorithms, and job scheduling systems like SLURM are in strong demand.
Distributed Systems Engineer Salary in the United States (2025–2026)
Distributed systems engineers build the infrastructure that keeps large-scale applications running reliably across multiple servers and cloud regions. Think of the teams behind databases like Cassandra, messaging systems like Kafka, or the backend infrastructure at Netflix, Uber, and Meta.
What is the average distributed systems engineer salary in the US?
Senior Distributed Systems Engineer Salary: Glassdoor reports an average of $279,816 per year, with top earners hitting $432,624 (May 2026). Top paying companies include Tesla and Cloudera.
| Level | Avg Distributed Systems Engineer Salary US |
| Mid-Level | $127,000 – $181,000/yr |
| Senior | $226,000 – $353,000/yr |
| Top 10% | $266,000 – $432,000+/yr |
Key skills: Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, Kubernetes, distributed consensus protocols (Raft, Paxos), and fault-tolerant system design.
FPGA Engineer Salary in the United States (2025–2026)
FPGA engineers design and program reconfigurable hardware chips used in aerospace, defense, telecom, financial trading, and AI accelerators. The role sits at the intersection of hardware design and software engineering.
What is the average FPGA engineer salary in the US?
Senior FPGA Engineer Salary: Glassdoor reports an average of $232,019 per year, with top earners reaching $342,649 (May 2026).
Entry Level FPGA Engineer Salary: Around $86,381 per year (ZipRecruiter, June 2026).
Top paying industries: – IT: Median total pay $184,417 (Apple, Arm, Xilinx) – Financial Services: Median $176,704 (Citadel, Wolverine Trading) – Aerospace & Defense: Median $146,845 (NASA JPL, Boeing, Lockheed Martin)
| Level | FPGA Engineer Salary US |
| Entry Level | $86,381/yr |
| Mid-Level | $147,000 – $153,000/yr |
| Senior | $191,000 – $285,000/yr |
| Top 10% | $255,000 – $342,000+/yr |
Software Engineer Salary by Location
Location is one of the most significant variables in software engineering compensation. Tech hubs on the coasts offer the highest nominal salaries, but cost of living often erases a meaningful portion of that premium in real purchasing power.
Highest Paying US Cities
San Francisco averages around $161,000. Seattle sits at $165,000, driven by Amazon and Microsoft. San Jose leads at approximately $180,000. For a detailed breakdown specific to each city, here are the city-specific guides:
- Software engineer salary in San Francisco
- Software engineer salary in Seattle
- Software engineer salary in New York City
- Software engineer salary in Boston
- Software engineer salary in Austin, TX
- Software engineer salary in Los Angeles
- Software engineer salary in Chicago
- Software engineer salary in Houston
- Software engineer salary in San Diego
- Software engineer salary in San Jose
- Software engineer salary in Miami
- Software engineer salary in Atlanta
- Software engineer salary in Washington DC
Cost of Living Reality Check
San Jose’s cost of living index sits around 272, while Austin’s is approximately 123. An engineer earning $128,000 in Austin often has more real purchasing power than one earning $180,000 in San Jose once housing, taxes, and everyday expenses are considered.
| City | Average Base Salary | Cost of Living Index | State Income Tax |
| San Jose, CA | ~$180,000 | 272 | Up to 13.3% |
| San Francisco, CA | ~$161,000 | High | Up to 13.3% |
| Seattle, WA | ~$165,000 | High | None |
| New York City, NY | ~$155,000 – $165,000 | Very High | Up to 10.9% |
| Boston, MA | ~$148,000 – $158,000 | High | 5% flat |
| Austin, TX | ~$144,000 – $146,000 | Moderate | None |
| Denver, CO | ~$135,000 – $145,000 | Moderate | 4.4% flat |
| Chicago, IL | ~$130,000 – $140,000 | Moderate | 4.95% flat |
| Atlanta, GA | ~$95,000 – $145,000 | Moderate/Lower | 5.49% flat |
Software Engineer Salary by State
For a full state-by-state breakdown, the dedicated software engineer salary by state guide covers all 50 states with current data.
California consistently leads the country in base salary, driven by Silicon Valley and the LA tech scene. For California-specific data, the California software engineer salary guide breaks it down by region and employer.
| State | Average Software Engineer Salary | State Income Tax |
| California | $160,000 – $175,000 | Up to 13.3% |
| Washington | $155,000 – $165,000 | None |
| New York | $150,000 – $165,000 | Up to 10.9% |
| Massachusetts | $148,000 – $158,000 | 5% flat |
| Texas | $95,000 – $140,000 | None |
| Colorado | $130,000 – $145,000 | 4.4% flat |
| Florida | $90,000 – $135,000 | None |
| Georgia | $95,000 – $130,000 | 5.49% flat |
Highest Paying Companies for Software Engineers
The company you work for often determines your compensation more than city or experience level. For the complete company-by-company breakdown including 25+ employers, the guide on highest paying companies for software engineers covers it in depth.
For the FAANG-specific breakdown, the FAANG software engineer salary guide is also worth reviewing, and if you’re specifically looking at Google, the software engineer salary at Google guide covers every level.
For a company-by-company comparison across the broader market, the software engineer salary by company guide is the most complete resource on the site.
| Company | Entry Level TC | Senior Level TC | Notes |
| Meta | ~$172,000 | ~$380,000 | Heavy equity, aggressive RSU grants |
| ~$188,000 | ~$302,000 | Balanced base and stock | |
| Netflix | ~$180,000 | ~$250,000+ | High base, limited equity |
| Amazon | ~$160,000 | ~$250,000+ | Back-weighted stock, capped base |
| Apple | ~$172,000 | ~$200,000+ | Strong base, ESPP available |
| Microsoft | ~$160,000 | ~$182,000 | Long-term stock incentives |
| Salesforce | ~$140,000 | ~$180,000+ | Stock options and wellness |
| Adobe | ~$130,000 | ~$180,000 – $200,000 | Flexible work, stock grants |
Key Factors Influencing Software Engineer Salaries
Several factors influence software engineer salaries in the United States, determining how much professionals can earn across roles, locations, and companies. Understanding these elements helps engineers plan their careers and maximize earning potential.
Education and Degree Level
Educational background plays a significant role in salary. Engineers with bachelor’s degrees in computer science or related fields typically start at competitive entry-level salaries, while those with master’s degrees or specialized certifications often command higher pay. Graduates from top-tier universities may also receive better offers due to the perceived quality of their education.
In-Demand Skills and Technologies: Cloud computing, AI/ML, DevOps, cybersecurity, and full stack development all command above-average salaries. Engineers who adapt quickly to new tools are compensated at the upper end.
Programming Language Expertise: Python engineers in data science and AI roles earn $110,000 to $150,000+. Java developers on enterprise systems average $100,000 to $140,000. Go developers in cloud infrastructure and distributed systems typically earn $110,000 to $150,000. For the full Python vs JavaScript salary comparison, the Python vs JavaScript salary guide covers both in detail.
Specialization: Firmware engineers, FPGA engineers, ML engineers, and cybersecurity experts are compensated at higher rates than generalist roles. The more niche the skill, the stronger the salary leverage.
Company Size and Type: Top tech companies pay significantly more than mid-market firms. Startups may offer lower base pay with equity upside, while large enterprises offer stability and benefits.
In-Demand Specializations and Their Salaries
For a full breakdown of every major specialization and what each pays relative to the general average, the specialized software engineer salary guide is the most complete resource.
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
ML and AI engineers typically earn $120,000 to $160,000, with senior positions reaching $200,000+. Frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch are table stakes; experience with production inference systems commands a premium.
Cloud Computing and DevOps
Cloud platform experts (AWS, Azure, GCP) and DevOps engineers typically earn $110,000 to $150,000. Senior cloud architects and DevOps leads can reach $180,000+.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity-focused software engineers earn $100,000 to $145,000, with senior positions exceeding $175,000. Demand is growing faster than supply, particularly in financial services and government contracting.
Data Engineering and Analytics
Data engineers typically earn $110,000 to $150,000, with senior engineers reaching $170,000+. SQL, Python, Spark, and Hadoop remain the baseline for high-paying roles.
Full Stack and Mobile Development
Full stack engineers earn $120,000 to $160,000 annually. Mobile developers in Swift or Kotlin can reach $150,000 in senior roles. For hourly rates and contract work data, the software engineer salary and hourly rates guide covers the full picture.
Remote vs. On-Site Work Trends
Remote work has reshaped how companies structure compensation. Some maintain consistent salary levels regardless of location; others use geographic pay bands. For a dedicated breakdown of how remote work affects your earning potential, the remote software engineer salary guide covers it across different employers and markets.
On-site roles in major tech hubs often come with higher base pay to match local cost of living. Remote engineers often trade some base pay for flexibility but avoid the high cost of living in expensive metros.
Negotiation, Total Compensation, and Benefits
Understanding total compensation is critical when evaluating a job offer. For a step-by-step guide to getting the best possible outcome in a salary negotiation, the how to negotiate software engineer salary guide covers practical tactics.
Performance and Signing Bonuses: Many top companies offer bonuses adding 10–30% to annual base. Signing bonuses at FAANG companies commonly range from $20,000 to $100,000+ for senior candidates.
Stock Options and RSUs: Equity is often where the largest portion of total comp sits at top tech companies. RSU vesting typically runs over four years with a one-year cliff.Benefits and Perks: Health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, professional development budgets, and wellness programs all add real dollar value to your package.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the average software engineer salary in the United States in 2026?
The average software engineer salary in the US in 2026 sits between $130,000 and $150,000 in base pay depending on the platform. Glassdoor reports $148,764, ZipRecruiter puts it at $147,524, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics median is $130,160. When bonuses and equity are included, total compensation typically ranges from $155,000 to $220,000 at mid-to-large tech employers.
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What is a realistic starting salary for a software engineer in 2026?
A realistic starting salary for an entry-level software engineer in the United States in 2026 is between $75,000 and $92,000 at most employers. At FAANG-tier companies, new graduates with strong skills can receive total compensation packages of $180,000 or more when equity and bonuses are included.
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Can a software engineer make $300,000 a year?
Yes, though it requires a combination of seniority, specialization, and employer type. Senior and principal engineers at FAANG companies regularly earn $300,000 or more in total compensation. At the staff and principal level, total comp at Google and Meta can reach $450,000 to over $1,000,000 when equity is included.
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Which companies pay software engineers the most?
Meta, Google, Netflix, Amazon, and Apple consistently rank among the highest-paying employers for software engineers in the United States. At the senior level, Meta averages around $380,000 in total compensation, and Google averages around $302,000, according to Levels.fyi data.
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What skills increase software engineer salary the most?
Machine learning and AI expertise adds approximately 20 percent to baseline compensation. Cloud platform skills (AWS, Azure, GCP) add around 15 percent. Cybersecurity specialization adds about 12 percent. Engineers who combine cloud expertise with AI development skills are currently among the most competitively compensated professionals in the field.
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Is software engineering still a good career in 2026?
Yes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 25 percent job growth for software developers from 2022 to 2032, adding over 400,000 new positions. Demand is particularly strong in AI, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data engineering. Software engineering remains one of the highest-compensated and fastest-growing career paths in the United States.
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How much does a software engineer with 7 years of experience earn?
A software engineer with 7 years of experience typically earns between $120,000 and $160,000 in base salary depending on location and employer. At senior-level roles in top tech companies, total compensation for engineers at this experience level can reach $200,000 to $280,000 including equity and bonuses.
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Does remote work affect software engineer salary?
Sometimes. Some companies pay the same regardless of location, while others use geographic pay bands that result in lower base salaries for engineers in lower-cost markets. Total compensation including equity and bonuses can remain competitive for remote engineers even when base pay is adjusted, particularly at companies with generous stock grant structures.
Final Thoughts
Software engineering compensation in the United States in 2026 is strong — but the range is wider than most people expect.
The national average of $130,000 to $150,000 is a solid starting benchmark, but averages flatten out a lot of nuance. Whether you’re a firmware engineer, an HPC engineer, a distributed systems engineer, or an FPGA engineer, your specialization alone can push your salary well above the general market average.
Where you work, what you specialize in, how well you negotiate, and how consistently you develop in-demand skills matter far more than any single data point. The engineers who maximize compensation in 2026 are the ones who benchmark their pay regularly and understand that total compensation — not just base salary — is the real number that matters when comparing offers.
Shahzada Muhammad Ali Qureshi (Leeo)
I’m Shahzada — a software engineer by education and an SEO professional by trade. I built WhatIsTheSalary.com to go beyond just showing salary numbers — every page is manually researched across sources like BLS, Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and PayScale to give you the full picture in one place. If you found what you were looking for here, that’s exactly the point.
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