Software Engineer Salary in Washington
Based on 14K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$128,940
$61.99/hr
vs National Average
$106,671
+20.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$60K – $201K
14K employed in Washington
The median software engineer salary in Washington is $124,834 per year, representing 11% above the national average. This competitive compensation reflects the region's thriving tech industry and strong demand for skilled professionals. Based on available data from 92 workers in the field, Washington offers attractive opportunities for those pursuing software engineering careers.
Software engineer salary in Washington varies based on several key factors, including experience level, specialized skills, company size, and proximity to major tech hubs like Seattle. Educational background, certifications, and proficiency in in-demand programming languages can significantly influence earning potential. Additionally, the cost of living and local market competition among tech employers play important roles in determining compensation packages throughout the state.
Salary Distribution — Software Engineer in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,210 |
| 25th percentile | $84,540 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $128,940 |
| 75th percentile | $168,030 |
| 90th percentile | $200,610 |
Top H-1B Employers for Software Engineer in Washington
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Washington — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amazon.com Services LLC | 55 | $133,702 |
| 2 | Salesforce, Inc. | 12 | $133,702 |
| 3 | AT&T SERVICES, INC. | 8 | $172,582 |
| 4 | UST Global Inc | 8 | $114,563 |
| 5 | Apple Inc. | 7 | $158,704 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Software Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Washington
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Washington.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $84,640 | 16 |
| Level II | Qualified | $108,850 | 152 |
| Level III | Experienced | $145,600 | 52 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $171,000 | 41 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $105,120 |
| 2023 | $128,200 |
| 2024 | $131,800 |
| 2025 | $128,940 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,940 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $105,120 | $89,712 |
| 2023 | $128,200 | $97,924 |
| 2024 | $131,800 | $101,746 |
| 2025 | $128,940 | $106,671 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,940 | $106,671 |
Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $84,540 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $128,940 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $168,030 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $200,610 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Software Engineer Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Software Engineer ($128,940 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Software Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in WA | $209,370 | +62.4% | $100.66/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in WA | $202,400 | +57.0% | $97.31/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in WA | $169,120 | +31.2% | $81.31/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in WA | $168,070 | +30.3% | $80.80/hr |
| Software Developer in WA | $166,540 | +29.2% | $80.07/hr |
| Data Scientist in WA | $163,350 | +26.7% | $78.53/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in WA | $154,940 | +20.2% | $74.49/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in WA | $133,480 | +3.5% | $64.17/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in WA | $130,480 | +1.2% | $62.73/hr |
| Web Developer in WA | $130,440 | +1.2% | $62.71/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in WA | $129,410 | +0.4% | $62.22/hr |
| Database Administrator in WA | $128,760 | -0.1% | $61.90/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software engineers make in Washington?
- The median salary for software engineers in Washington is $124,834 per year, or $60 per hour. This is 11.2% higher than the national average, making Washington an above-average market for software engineering roles.
What is the salary range for software engineers in Washington?
- Software engineers in Washington earn salaries up to $142,360 at the high end. This represents the upper range for the position in the state based on current employment data.
Is working as a software engineer in Washington better paying than the national average?
- Yes, software engineers in Washington earn 11.2% more than the national average. With a median salary of $124,834 annually, the state offers competitive compensation compared to other regions.
How many software engineers are currently employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 92 software engineers currently employed in Washington based on the latest salary data. This represents the active workforce in the state for this position.