Software Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 433K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$101,746
$48.916/hr
▲ 3.9% vs 2023Salary Range
$71K – $181K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
433K
workers nationwide
Software Engineer salary in the United States averages $112,243 per year, based on data from 1,342 workers across the country. This median figure reflects the competitive compensation offered for technical expertise in a field experiencing significant demand. Salaries can reach as high as $165,417, indicating substantial earning potential for experienced professionals in this sector.
Several factors influence Software Engineer salary in the United States, including years of experience, educational background, and geographic location. Technical specialization, company size, and industry sector also play important roles in determining compensation. Additionally, remote work opportunities and the cost of living in different regions can significantly impact both salary offerings and career decisions for software engineers.
Salary Distribution — Software Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $70,680 |
| 25th percentile | $114,770 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $101,746 |
| 75th percentile | $162,520 |
| 90th percentile | $181,210 |
Software Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Software Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $141,540 | +39.1% | 20K |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $137,610 | +35.2% | 17K |
| 3 | Virginia | $132,810 | +30.5% | 14K |
| 4 | Delaware | $132,670 | +30.4% | 1K |
| 5 | Washington | $131,800 | +29.5% | 14K |
| 6 | California | $128,750 | +26.5% | 85K |
| 7 | Colorado | $119,560 | +17.5% | 9K |
| 8 | West Virginia | $113,030 | +11.1% | 4K |
| 9 | Hawaii | $112,050 | +10.1% | 2K |
| 10 | Arizona | $112,010 | +10.1% | 6K |
Historical Salary Trend — Software Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $89,712 |
| 2023 | $97,924 |
| 2024 | $101,746 |
| 2026 | $112,243 |
Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software engineers make per hour in the United States?
- Based on median salary data, software engineers in the United States earn approximately $54 per hour. This calculation is derived from the median annual salary of $112,243, which breaks down to this hourly rate for full-time positions.
What is the highest paying city for software engineers?
- California is the top paying city for software engineers in the United States, with an average salary of $153,326 per year. This significantly exceeds the national median salary of $112,243, making it approximately $41,083 more annually.
What is the salary range for software engineers in the US?
- Software engineer salaries in the United States range from entry level positions up to $165,417 at the high end. The median salary of $112,243 represents the midpoint of typical compensation in this field.
How many software engineers are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 1,342 software engineers included in this employment data across the United States. This represents the total employed count tracked in our salary database.