Software engineers in the United States earn an average salary between $105,000 and $165,000 per year in 2026, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level roles typically start around $85,000, while senior engineers at major tech companies can exceed $180,000 annually, excluding bonuses and stock compensation.
The tech industry remains one of the highest-paying sectors in the US job market, driven by demand for artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and enterprise software development.
Average Software Engineer Salary in the US
As of 2026, the median base salary for a software engineer in the US is approximately:
$125,000 per year
Total compensation (including bonuses and stock equity) can range between:
$130,000 to $220,000+
Compensation varies based on:
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Location
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Years of experience
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Technical specialization
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Company size
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Public vs private employer
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Remote vs on-site role
Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level Software Engineer (0–2 Years)
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Average Salary: $85,000 – $105,000
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Often includes signing bonus
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Strong hiring markets: Texas, North Carolina, Florida
Mid-Level Software Engineer (3–6 Years)
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Average Salary: $115,000 – $145,000
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May include performance bonuses and stock units
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Higher pay in SaaS and fintech companies
Senior Software Engineer (7+ Years)
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Average Salary: $145,000 – $180,000+
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Big Tech total compensation: $200,000 – $300,000+
Senior engineers responsible for system architecture or leading engineering teams command significantly higher compensation packages, especially in AI-driven and cloud infrastructure companies.
Software Engineer Salary by State
Location significantly impacts total earnings due to cost of living and industry demand.
California
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Average Salary: $145,000 – $175,000
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Silicon Valley remains the highest-paying region
New York
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Average Salary: $135,000 – $165,000
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Strong fintech demand
Texas
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Average Salary: $115,000 – $145,000
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Lower cost of living improves real purchasing power
Washington
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Average Salary: $140,000 – $170,000
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Major cloud employers based in Seattle
Industry-Specific Salary Differences
Certain industries pay significantly above the national average.
Fintech
Typically 10–20% higher than average due to strong revenue margins and competitive hiring.
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
AI-focused engineers frequently earn $150,000+ annually.
Government & Defense
Stable compensation but generally lower equity packages.
Remote Software Engineer Salary
Remote engineering roles in 2026 typically offer:
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$110,000 – $150,000 depending on employer policy
Some companies adjust pay based on location, while others offer uniform national compensation.
What Factors Influence Software Engineer Salary?
Key salary drivers include:
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Technical specialization (AI, cybersecurity, cloud)
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Years of experience
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Company valuation and funding
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Equity compensation packages
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Cost-of-living adjustments
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Leadership responsibilities
Is Software Engineering Still a High-Paying Career in 2026?
Yes.
Despite market corrections in recent years, demand remains strong for professionals in:
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Artificial Intelligence
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Cloud Computing
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Cybersecurity
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Enterprise SaaS
Salary growth continues to outpace many other US industries, making software engineering one of the most financially rewarding tech careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a software engineer in the US?
Most entry-level software engineers earn between $85,000 and $100,000 annually.
Which state pays software engineers the most?
California generally offers the highest base salaries, especially in Silicon Valley.
Can software engineers earn over $200K?
Yes. Senior engineers at large tech firms often exceed $200,000 annually when stock compensation is included.
