Software Engineer Salary (2026)
Based on 241 real job listings · Updated April 2026
25th Percentile
$129K
Median
$157K
75th Percentile
$175K
See where YOU fall on this scale
Adjust the slider to estimate your salary range.
Based on your 3 years of experience, you're likely in the Mid-level range:
$129K – $175K
Software Engineer Salary by Seniority Level
| Level | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $84K – $114K | $102K |
| Mid | $129K – $175K | $157K |
| Senior | $168K – $228K | $205K |
| Staff | $200K – $272K | $244K |
Work Model Split
Remote
10%
On-site / Hybrid
90%
Top Companies Hiring Software Engineers
| Company | Avg Salary | Open Roles |
|---|---|---|
| speechify | N/A | 393 |
| spacex | N/A | 77 |
| anduril industries | N/A | 72 |
| mercor | N/A | 49 |
| applied intuition | N/A | 40 |
Other Tech & Engineering Salaries
Software Engineer Salary by City
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Engineer salary in the US?
The median Software Engineer salary in the US is $157K per year, with a range from $129K (25th percentile) to $175K (75th percentile) based on 241 active job listings.
What factors affect Software Engineer salary?
Software Engineer salaries vary significantly based on years of experience, company size, location (remote vs. on-site), industry, and specific technical skills. Senior roles can earn 30–55% more than entry-level positions.
What cities pay the most for Software Engineer roles?
San Francisco, New York, and Seattle consistently rank among the highest-paying cities for Software Engineer roles.
How do I negotiate a higher Software Engineer salary?
Research market rates using tools like TryApplyNow's salary guide, know your 25th–75th percentile range, and benchmark against your years of experience. Having competing offers and documenting your impact are the strongest negotiation levers.
Is remote Software Engineer pay comparable to on-site?
About 10% of Software Engineer job listings offer remote work. Remote roles can sometimes pay 5–15% less than co-located roles in high-cost cities, but often match or exceed salaries in lower-cost markets.
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