Software engineer salary in the USA is one of the most searched career salary topics because software engineering remains one of the better-paid technology careers in the country. In 2025, software developers had a national median salary of $135,980 per year, while the average annual wage was around $148,100. A software engineer salary can be much different depending on experience, state, company, technical skills and the type of software being developed. Entry level software engineers usually earn less than experienced developers, while senior software engineers, staff engineers and specialized engineers can earn well above the national salary. California, Washington and New York are among the states where software developer pay is especially high. This guide covers the average software engineer salary in the USA, software engineer salary per hour, monthly and yearly pay, entry level and senior software engineer salary, and software engineer salary by state.
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Software Engineer Salary in the USA
When people search for software engineer salary in USA, they may see different numbers on different websites. The main reason is that salary websites do not always measure the same thing. Some websites report base salary, some report total compensation with bonus and stock, and government wage data uses an occupational classification.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports wage information for Software Developers under occupational code 15-1252. Software Engineer is one of the job titles commonly used for this occupation. In May 2025, the median annual wage for software developers was $135,980. This means half of workers earned more than this amount and half earned less.
The national average or mean wage was about $148,100 per year. These two numbers should not be confused. Median salary is usually a better number for understanding what a typical worker may earn, while average salary can be pushed higher by very highly paid employees.
- Median software developer salary: $135,980 per year
- Average software developer salary: about $148,100 per year
- Median hourly pay: about $65.38 per hour
- Approximate average hourly pay: about $71.20 per hour
- Lowest 10%: less than $82,460 per year
- Highest 10%: more than $214,670 per year
Actual software engineer pay can be higher or lower than these figures. A developer working at a large technology company in California may have a very different compensation package from a developer working for a small company in a lower-cost state.
Software Engineer Salary by State
Software engineer salary by state can change quite a lot across the United States. The 2025 wage data shows California at the top for average software developer pay, followed by Washington, New York and Massachusetts. Mississippi is at the lower end of the state average list. The difference is not only about technology jobs. Local industries, demand for technical workers, employer size and cost of living can all affect salary levels.
The table below uses 2025 annual average (mean) wage data for Software Developers based on BLS OEWS data. The figures are gross salary before taxes.
| State Name | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $122,840 |
| Alaska | Data not separately reported |
| Arizona | $132,530 |
| Arkansas | $109,590 |
| California | $186,770 |
| Colorado | $150,940 |
| Connecticut | $141,260 |
| Delaware | $138,110 |
| Florida | $137,010 |
| Georgia | $132,150 |
| Hawaii | $134,600 |
| Idaho | $134,370 |
| Illinois | $136,540 |
| Indiana | $113,980 |
| Iowa | $118,780 |
| Kansas | $116,560 |
| Kentucky | $120,730 |
| Louisiana | $108,270 |
| Maine | $129,040 |
| Maryland | $151,560 |
| Massachusetts | $161,730 |
| Michigan | $122,720 |
| Minnesota | $127,530 |
| Mississippi | $99,840 |
| Missouri | $123,810 |
| Montana | $133,550 |
| Nebraska | $115,590 |
| Nevada | $137,350 |
| New Hampshire | $144,530 |
| New Jersey | $143,800 |
| New Mexico | $126,620 |
| New York | $163,820 |
| North Carolina | $136,940 |
| North Dakota | $107,000 |
| Ohio | $119,860 |
| Oklahoma | $118,510 |
| Oregon | $149,060 |
| Pennsylvania | $128,110 |
| Rhode Island | $129,080 |
| South Carolina | $136,240 |
| South Dakota | $104,790 |
| Tennessee | $120,560 |
| Texas | $136,450 |
| Utah | $129,860 |
| Vermont | $136,100 |
| Virginia | $146,340 |
| Washington | $171,040 |
| West Virginia | $118,410 |
| Wisconsin | $122,620 |
| Wyoming | $123,360 |
Note: Alaska did not have a separately reported value in the BLS-based 2025 state table used for this article, so an estimated number has not been invented. The District of Columbia is also not included because it is not a state.
Average Software Engineer Salary
The average software engineer salary in the USA is around $148,100 per year when using the 2025 mean wage for software developers. But for someone trying to understand a normal salary, the $135,980 median is also very useful. Both numbers give a different view of the market.
Software engineering has a wide salary range. A new graduate may start at a salary much lower than an experienced engineer, while a senior engineer working at a large technology company can receive a much larger compensation package.
Salary also changes by specialization. Backend engineering, cloud engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, distributed systems and other technical areas can have different pay levels depending on employer demand and the worker's experience.
Software Engineer Salary Per Hour
People often search for software engineer salary per hour when comparing technology jobs or considering contract work. Based on the 2025 national median annual wage of $135,980, the equivalent hourly figure is about $65.38 per hour using a simple 2,080-hour work year.
This is not the same as an hourly contractor rate. Contractors and freelancers may charge much more per hour because their rate can also cover benefits, unpaid time, taxes, insurance and other business costs.
- Median annual salary: about $135,980
- Median hourly equivalent: about $65.38
- Average annual wage: about $148,100
- Average hourly equivalent: about $71.20
Software Engineer Salary Per Month
The software engineer salary per month depends on the annual salary and whether the calculation is made before or after taxes. Using the national median salary of $135,980, the gross monthly salary comes to about $11,332 per month before taxes and other deductions.
Using the average annual wage of about $148,100, the monthly gross equivalent is around $12,342 per month. These are simple annual salary divided by 12 calculations, so an employee's actual paycheck can look different depending on the company's payroll schedule, bonuses and deductions.
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Entry Level Software Engineer Salary
An entry level software engineer salary is normally lower than the national median because workers at this stage have limited professional experience. Entry-level engineers may work on existing applications, fix bugs, write tests, build smaller features and learn the company's development process.
There is no single government salary number for every entry-level software engineer. Pay can vary heavily by location and employer. A new engineer at a large technology company can receive a much higher package than someone starting at a small local business.
For entry-level candidates, the most important factors are often practical programming skills, ability to solve problems, understanding of software development basics and the ability to work with a development team.
- Computer science or related technical education can help
- Programming experience is important
- Internships and real projects can improve job opportunities
- Knowledge of modern development tools can help candidates stand out
- Location can make a large difference in starting pay
Junior Software Engineer Salary
A junior software engineer salary usually increases after the first stage of a career, but the exact pay is not fixed. Junior engineers are expected to become more independent, understand the existing codebase and complete development tasks with less day-to-day help.
The jump from entry-level to junior engineer is not always based only on years. Some developers progress faster because they work on difficult projects, learn new technologies and take more responsibility. Others may stay at the same level for longer depending on the company and available positions.
Senior Software Engineer Salary
A senior software engineer salary is usually much higher than the pay of an entry level developer. Senior engineers are expected to handle difficult technical problems, design systems, review code and help other developers. They may also be involved in important product decisions.
There is no fixed senior software engineer salary in the USA because companies use different job levels. A senior engineer at a small company and a senior engineer at a large technology company may have very different total compensation.
- Senior engineers normally have several years of professional experience
- They can design and maintain larger software systems
- They often review code written by other developers
- They may guide junior and mid-level engineers
- Specialized technical skills can increase earning potential
At major technology companies, senior engineers can sometimes earn well above $200,000 when salary, bonus and stock compensation are combined. However, this should not be treated as the normal salary for every senior software engineer in the country.
Software Engineer Salary by Experience
Software engineer salary by experience normally follows an upward pattern as a developer gains professional knowledge and takes more responsibility. Experience is not the only factor, but it can have a strong effect on earning potential.
A new engineer may spend more time learning the company's systems and development process. After a few years, the engineer may become responsible for complete features or services. Experienced engineers can move into senior, staff or principal positions where the technical and business responsibility is much higher.
- Entry Level: Usually focuses on learning, smaller tasks and basic development work.
- Junior: Handles regular development tasks with increasing independence.
- Mid-Level: Works on larger features and can own projects or services.
- Senior: Handles complex technical problems and provides technical guidance.
- Staff or Principal: Often works across multiple teams and helps define technical direction.
The actual salary at each level depends on location, company, technology stack and the type of software being developed.
Software Engineer Starting Salary
The software engineer starting salary can be attractive compared with many other careers, especially for graduates who enter the technology industry in a high-demand market. But starting salary is not the same everywhere in the USA.
Large technology companies and companies located in major technology markets may offer higher starting pay. Smaller employers in areas with lower living costs may offer a lower salary but sometimes provide other benefits such as remote work, flexible hours or faster opportunities to take responsibility.
A new graduate should not look at salary alone. The first job can be important for gaining real production experience, learning professional software development and building a strong resume.
Highest Paying States for Software Engineers
When looking at the highest paying states for software engineers, California stands out in the 2025 state wage data. Its average software developer wage was about $186,770 per year. Washington, New York and Massachusetts also show high average wages.
High salaries are often connected with strong technology industries and a large concentration of software companies. However, a high salary does not automatically mean a worker has more money left after expenses. Housing and other living costs can also be much higher in some of these markets.
California
California is one of the biggest software engineering markets in the United States. The state includes Silicon Valley and many large technology companies. The 2025 average software developer wage was about $186,770, making California one of the strongest states for software engineer pay.
Software engineers working in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, web applications and large-scale systems may find many opportunities here.
Washington
Washington is another major technology market, especially around the Seattle area. The state has a strong concentration of technology employers and software-related jobs. The 2025 average software developer wage was around $171,040.
Software engineers in Washington can work for large technology companies as well as smaller software and startup businesses.
New York
New York has a large technology and financial services industry. Software engineers are needed not only by technology companies but also by banks, financial companies, media businesses and other organizations.
The 2025 average software developer wage in New York was about $163,820. Engineers working in specialized financial technology roles may have additional earning opportunities.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a strong technology and research economy, particularly around the Boston area. Software engineers work across technology, healthcare, finance, education and research-related companies.
The average software developer wage was approximately $161,730 in the 2025 state data.
What Affects Software Engineer Salary?
Two software engineers with the same job title can earn very different salaries. This happens because employers consider many things when deciding compensation.
Experience
Professional experience is one of the most common salary factors. Engineers who can independently solve complex problems and take ownership of important systems are generally more valuable to employers.
Location
Location can have a major effect on software engineer salary USA. Technology centers often have stronger demand and higher wages. Remote work has changed this picture for some workers, but location still matters for many employers.
Technical Skills
Skills in areas with strong employer demand can improve earning potential. Programming languages are useful, but companies also look for broader engineering abilities.
- Cloud computing
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Data engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Distributed systems
- Database engineering
- DevOps and infrastructure
- Mobile and web development
Company Size
Large companies may have higher salary ranges and more complex compensation packages. Some technology companies also provide bonuses and stock awards. Smaller companies may offer lower base salaries but can sometimes provide broader responsibilities.
Industry
The industry where a software engineer works also matters. BLS data shows software publishers among the better-paying industries for software developers, while other industries can have lower median wages.
Software Developer Salary vs Software Engineer Salary
People often search for software developer salary and software engineer salary as if they are two completely separate careers. In the real job market, the titles can overlap a lot.
The BLS wage data is reported under the Software Developers occupation. Software Engineer is commonly used as a job title for workers performing software development and engineering work. Because of this, BLS software developer wage data is a useful official benchmark when researching software engineer salary in the USA.
Some companies use the title Software Engineer while others use Software Developer. The actual responsibilities are often more important than the title when comparing jobs.
Software Engineer Salary by Industry
Software engineers work in many industries, not only traditional technology companies. Almost every major business now depends on software in some way.
- Technology: Software products, cloud services and online platforms.
- Finance: Banking systems, trading platforms and financial applications.
- Healthcare: Medical software, healthcare platforms and patient systems.
- Retail: E-commerce websites, payment systems and inventory software.
- Government: Public systems, security applications and digital services.
- Manufacturing: Automation, industrial software and connected systems.
- Education: Learning platforms and educational applications.
According to BLS May 2025 data, software developers working in software publishing had a median annual wage of about $164,550. Other industries also offer strong salaries, although the amount can vary considerably by employer and location.
How Much Does a Software Engineer Make?
If you are asking how much does a software engineer make in the USA, the short answer is that there is a very wide range. The national median for software developers was $135,980 in May 2025, but individual salaries can be considerably lower or higher.
A beginner may earn below the national median while building professional experience. An experienced engineer can reach or pass the national median, and senior or highly specialized engineers can earn significantly more.
Total compensation can also be much different from base salary. Some employers provide annual bonuses, stock, retirement contributions and other benefits. For this reason, two job offers with the same base salary may not have the same overall value.
Can Software Engineers Make $200,000 a Year?
Yes, some software engineers in the USA can make $200,000 or more per year. However, this is not the typical salary for every software engineer.
Compensation above $200,000 is more common in certain senior-level positions, high-paying technology companies and specialized engineering roles. Stock compensation and annual bonuses can also push total compensation above $200,000 even when the base salary is lower.
The BLS 2025 data shows that the highest-paid 10% of software developers earned more than $214,670 annually. This demonstrates that salaries above $200,000 are possible, although they represent the upper end of the occupation rather than the normal salary.
Software Engineer Salary With Experience
Software engineer salary with experience can increase as workers move from writing individual pieces of code toward designing systems and taking ownership of larger technical problems.
Experience also gives engineers a chance to specialize. A developer who becomes highly skilled in cloud infrastructure, security, AI systems or large-scale distributed applications may find higher-paying opportunities.
However, simply staying in the industry for more years does not guarantee a large salary increase. Skills, performance, job level and the ability to solve difficult problems are also important.
Software Engineer Career Outlook in the USA
The career outlook for software engineers in the USA remains strong. Software is now used in almost every industry, from banking and healthcare to transportation, retail and entertainment. Because businesses continue to build new digital products and improve existing systems, the need for software developers is expected to remain high.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers to grow by 10% from 2025 to 2035. The same occupational group is expected to have about 106,100 job openings each year on average during this period.
This does not mean every person entering software engineering will automatically get a high-paying job. Technology changes quickly and employers continue to look for people who can actually build, maintain and improve software.
- Software development remains important across many industries.
- Cloud computing continues to support demand for technical workers.
- Artificial intelligence is creating new software development opportunities.
- Companies need engineers to maintain older systems as well as build new products.
- Cybersecurity and data-related software skills can create additional opportunities.
Education Requirements for Software Engineers
Many software engineers enter the profession with a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology or a related field. However, education requirements can be different from one employer to another.
A degree can help a candidate learn programming, algorithms, databases, operating systems and other important concepts. But employers also want practical ability. A person with strong projects and real programming experience can sometimes compete successfully with candidates who have a different educational background.
For someone planning a software engineering career, learning should not stop after college. New programming frameworks, cloud platforms, development tools and AI technologies appear regularly.
Skills That Can Increase Software Engineer Salary
Technical skills can have a strong effect on earning potential. Companies generally pay more for engineers who can solve difficult problems and work on systems that are important to the business.
- Strong programming and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of software architecture and system design
- Cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure or Google Cloud
- Database and data engineering knowledge
- API and backend development
- Cybersecurity and secure coding practices
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning skills
- DevOps, automation and infrastructure knowledge
- Ability to work with development teams
- Good communication and technical documentation skills
Knowing many programming languages is not always enough. A strong software engineer should understand how to choose the right technology for a problem and build software that can be maintained over time.
Software Engineer Salary and Bonuses
The base salary is only one part of compensation for some software engineers. Companies may also provide annual bonuses, signing bonuses, stock awards, retirement contributions, health insurance and other benefits.
This is especially important when comparing offers from large technology companies. One company may offer a higher base salary, while another may offer more stock or a larger annual bonus.
For this reason, people searching for software engineer salary should check both base pay and total compensation before deciding whether an offer is good.
Remote Software Engineer Salary
Remote software engineering has become an important option for many workers. A remote engineer can sometimes work for a company located in another state without moving to that location.
However, remote salary policies are different between companies. Some employers pay the same salary regardless of location, while others use geographic pay bands. A worker living in a lower-cost area may therefore receive a different offer from an engineer doing the same job in a major technology market.
Remote work can also change the relationship between salary and living expenses. A high-paying remote position combined with a lower-cost location may provide a different financial advantage than a similar salary in an expensive technology city.
Software Engineer Salary vs Cost of Living
A state with the highest software engineer salary is not always the best place financially. Cost of living should be considered before comparing salaries between states.
For example, a software engineer earning a very high salary in California may also face much higher housing and everyday expenses. Another engineer earning less in a state with lower housing costs may have a similar or even better financial situation.
- Housing and rent
- State and local taxes
- Transportation costs
- Health insurance and other benefits
- Childcare and family expenses
- General cost of everyday living
Therefore, salary by itself does not tell the complete story. Job seekers should compare total compensation with the local cost of living before accepting a position.
Is Software Engineering a Good Career in the USA?
Software engineering can be a strong career choice for people who enjoy technology, problem solving and continuous learning. The profession offers opportunities across many industries and can provide strong earning potential as experience increases.
At the same time, it is not an easy career where a person learns one programming language and then earns a high salary forever. Technology changes quickly. Engineers need to keep learning and adapting throughout their careers.
The combination of strong wages, broad industry demand and projected employment growth makes software engineering an attractive career for many people in the USA.