How much does a Software Engineer make in 2026?
The national median Software Engineer salary is $132,270 per year. Software engineers design, build and maintain the software applications that power modern businesses — from web platforms to mobile apps to internal tools.
Software Engineer salary by city
Median pay across 10 major US metros — sorted by highest to lowest. Click any city for a full breakdown.
| City | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $187,800 | View → |
| Seattle, WA | $172,000 | View → |
| New York, NY | $169,300 | View → |
| Los Angeles, CA | $152,100 | View → |
| Austin, TX | $148,100 | View → |
| Denver, CO | $145,500 | View → |
| Chicago, IL | $140,200 | View → |
| Houston, TX | $137,600 | View → |
| Miami, FL | $130,900 | View → |
| Phoenix, AZ | $129,600 | View → |
What does a Software Engineer do?
Software engineers design, build and maintain the software applications that power modern businesses — from web platforms to mobile apps to internal tools.
- Write and review code
- Design system architecture
- Debug production issues
- Collaborate with product and design
- Run code reviews
How to become a Software Engineer
Most software engineers hold a bachelor's degree in computer science. Bootcamps and self-taught paths are increasingly accepted for junior roles.
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FAQ — Software Engineer salary
What is the average Software Engineer salary in the United States?+
The national median Software Engineer salary is $132,270 per year, based on the latest BLS OEWS data (May 2024 BLS OEWS).
Which US city pays Software Engineers the most?+
San Francisco, CA currently pays the highest at a median of $187,800/yr — roughly 42% above the national average. Adjust for cost of living before deciding to relocate.
How much does an entry-level Software Engineer make?+
Entry-level Software Engineers typically earn around $122,100 in top-paying metros and 64% of the median nationally.
How fast is the Software Engineer job market growing?+
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average growth of +25% over the next 10 years.
Do I need a degree to be a Software Engineer?+
Most software engineers hold a bachelor's degree in computer science. Bootcamps and self-taught paths are increasingly accepted for junior roles.
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