Software Engineer Salary in Idaho
Based on 1K+ workers in Idaho
Median Annual Salary (ID)
$98,700
$47.45/hr
vs National Average
$106,671
-7.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$59K – $162K
1K employed in Idaho
The median software engineer salary in Idaho is $98,700 per year, with approximately 1,040 workers employed in the state. This figure sits about 7% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. However, Idaho's lower cost of living often helps offset the reduced compensation compared to major tech hubs.
Software engineer salaries in Idaho vary significantly based on experience level, specific skills, and employer size. Entry-level positions typically start around $59,480 annually, while experienced engineers can earn up to $162,290. Factors like proximity to Boise's growing tech community, industry specialization, and individual qualifications substantially influence where professionals fall within this range.
Salary Distribution — Software Engineer in Idaho
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $59,480 |
| 25th percentile | $79,020 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $98,700 |
| 75th percentile | $129,630 |
| 90th percentile | $162,290 |
Top-Paying Industries for Software Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Software Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Software Engineers in Idaho tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $131,760 | 27K |
| Information | $131,720 | 48K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,070 | 25K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $124,530 | 98K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $121,310 | 124K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Software Engineer in Idaho vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Idaho) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $73,940 |
| 2023 | $98,390 |
| 2024 | $95,640 |
| 2025 | $98,700 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,858 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Idaho Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $73,940 | $89,712 |
| 2023 | $98,390 | $97,924 |
| 2024 | $95,640 | $101,746 |
| 2025 | $98,700 | $106,671 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,858 | $110,084 |
Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Idaho
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $79,020 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $98,700 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $129,630 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $162,290 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Software Engineer Salaries in Idaho
How other high-demand occupations in Idaho compare to Software Engineer ($98,700 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Software Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in ID | $162,240 | +64.4% | $78.00/hr |
| Software Developer in ID | $131,590 | +33.3% | $63.26/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in ID | $131,570 | +33.3% | $63.25/hr |
| Database Administrator in ID | $121,380 | +23.0% | $58.36/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in ID | $107,620 | +9.0% | $51.74/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in ID | $103,600 | +5.0% | $49.81/hr |
| Network Administrator in ID | $91,880 | -6.9% | $44.17/hr |
| Data Scientist in ID | $89,380 | -9.4% | $42.97/hr |
| Computer Programmer in ID | $89,020 | -9.8% | $42.80/hr |
| Web Developer in ID | $79,290 | -19.7% | $38.12/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in ID | $75,310 | -23.7% | $36.21/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in ID | $64,250 | -34.9% | $30.89/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software engineers make in Idaho?
- The median salary for software engineers in Idaho is $98,700 per year, which equals approximately $47 per hour. This is about 7.5% below the national average for the role.
What is the salary range for software engineers in Idaho?
- Software engineer salaries in Idaho range from $59,480 at the low end to $162,290 at the high end, representing significant variation based on experience and specialization.
Is software engineering a good paying job in Idaho?
- While the median software engineer salary of $98,700 in Idaho is below the national average by 7.5%, it remains a well-compensated position with opportunities to earn up to $162,290 depending on experience and skills.
How many software engineers are employed in Idaho?
- There are approximately 1,040 software engineers currently employed in Idaho, representing the active job market for this profession in the state.