Software Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 435K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$106,671
$51.28/hr
▲ 4.8% vs 2024Salary Range
$55K – $165K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
435K
workers nationwide
BLS does not track “Software Engineer” as a separate occupation. These figures use SOC 15-1299 (Software and Web Developers, Programmers, and Testers, All Other) and may include related computer roles. For the core role, see Software Developer.
The median Software Engineer salary in the United States is $106,671 per year, equivalent to approximately $51 per hour. This figure sits within a broad salary range, from $55,404 at the lower end to $164,724 for top earners. With 435,390 individuals employed in this field, it represents a significant sector of the tech industry.
Several factors influence a Software Engineer's compensation, including years of experience, specific technical skills, and the industry or company they work for. Geographic location also plays a crucial role, with some areas offering substantially higher pay than others. The demand for specialized expertise can also drive salaries upwards.
Salary Distribution — Software Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $55,404 |
| 25th percentile | $77,412 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $106,671 |
| 75th percentile | $137,448 |
| 90th percentile | $164,724 |
Software Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Software Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $156,590 | +46.8% | 17K |
| 2 | Maryland | $144,680 | +35.6% | 19K |
| 3 | Colorado | $139,580 | +30.9% | 12K |
| 4 | Virginia | $139,030 | +30.3% | 17K |
| 5 | Delaware | $137,470 | +28.9% | 860 |
| 6 | California | $134,440 | +26.0% | 80K |
| 7 | Washington | $128,940 | +20.9% | 14K |
| 8 | Connecticut | $127,720 | +19.7% | 3K |
| 9 | New Mexico | $127,090 | +19.1% | 2K |
| 10 | Hawaii | $120,100 | +12.6% | 2K |
Software Engineer Salary by Industry
How much Software Engineers earn across industries nationwide — Finance and Insurance pays the most ($131,760 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finance and Insurance | $131,760 | +23.5% | 27K |
| 2 | Information | $131,720 | +23.5% | 48K |
| 3 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,070 | +20.1% | 25K |
| 4 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $124,530 | +16.7% | 98K |
| 5 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $121,310 | +13.7% | 124K |
| 6 | Wholesale Trade | $109,960 | +3.1% | 13K |
| 7 | Manufacturing | $105,040 | -1.5% | 23K |
| 8 | Utilities | $103,060 | -3.4% | 3K |
| 9 | Administrative and Support Services | $99,210 | -7.0% | 23K |
| 10 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $98,920 | -7.3% | 1K |
| 11 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $93,740 | -12.1% | 50 |
| 12 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $93,010 | -12.8% | 10K |
| 13 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $92,160 | -13.6% | 2K |
| 14 | Educational Services | $83,120 | -22.1% | 17K |
| 15 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $82,520 | -22.6% | 1K |
| 16 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $80,410 | -24.6% | 4K |
| 17 | Construction | $75,520 | -29.2% | 2K |
| 18 | Transportation and Warehousing | $68,540 | -35.7% | 7K |
| 19 | Retail Trade | $64,190 | -39.8% | 4K |
| 20 | Accommodation and Food Services | $53,800 | -49.6% | 1K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Software Engineer
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Software Engineer roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cognizant | $117,582 | 3K |
| 2 | Infosys | $92,581 | 2K |
| 3 | Tata Consultancy Services | $92,394 | 871 |
| 4 | HCL | $125,670 | 510 |
| 5 | Wipro | $108,514 | 399 |
| 6 | Amazon | $159,300 | 321 |
| 7 | Microsoft | $178,962 | 282 |
| 8 | LTIMindtree | $94,682 | 208 |
Historical Salary Trend — Software Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $89,712 |
| 2023 | $97,924 |
| 2024 | $101,746 |
| 2025 | $106,671 |
| 2026 (projected) | $111,834 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $77,412 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $106,671 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $137,448 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $164,724 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Software Engineer in the US?
- The salary range for a Software Engineer in the United States typically falls between $55,404 and $164,724 annually. This wide spectrum reflects variations in experience, location, and employer.
How much does a Software Engineer earn in the District of Columbia?
- Software Engineers in the District of Columbia tend to earn the highest salaries, with a median of $156,590 per year. This is significantly above the national median of $106,671.
What is the average hourly wage for a Software Engineer?
- Based on the median annual salary of $106,671, the average hourly wage for a Software Engineer in the United States is approximately $51. This figure is derived from a standard 40-hour work week.
Is the number of Software Engineers in the US substantial?
- Yes, the number of employed Software Engineers in the United States is quite substantial, with a total of 435,390 individuals working in this profession. This indicates a strong and ongoing demand for these roles.