Software Engineer Salary Overview
A software engineer is a highly skilled professional who designs, develops, tests, and maintains software systems. The salary of a software engineer varies depending on factors such as their experience, education, location, and the size of the company they work for.
In general, the average salary for a software engineer in the United States is around $92,000 per year, according to Glassdoor. However, this can range from around $70,000 to over $150,000 per year, depending on the above factors.
Experience
The amount of experience a software engineer has is a major factor in determining their salary. As software engineers gain more experience, they are typically able to command higher salaries due to their increased knowledge and skill. Here are a few examples of average software engineer salaries based on experience, based on data from Glassdoor:
- Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): $80,000-$100,000
- Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): $90,000-$120,000
- Senior-Level (6-9 years of experience): $110,000-$140,000
- Lead/Manager-Level (10+ years of experience): $130,000-$180,000+
Education
The level of education a software engineer has can also play a role in determining their salary. Those with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field are typically paid more than those without a college degree.
Location
The cost of living in different regions of the country also affects software engineer salaries. For example, software engineers in cities with a high cost of living, such as San Francisco or New York, typically earn higher salaries than those in more affordable regions. Here are a few examples of average software engineer salaries in different states, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- California: $123,260
- Washington: $117,510
- New York: $110,560
- Virginia: $109,620
- Massachusetts: $108,470
Industry
The salary of a software engineer can vary depending on the industry in which they work. Here are a few examples of average software engineer salaries in different industries, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services: $110,620
- Software Publishers: $109,250
- Information: $106,880
- Finance and Insurance: $105,710
- Manufacturing: $103,150
Company Size
The size of the company a software engineer works for can also impact their salary. Software engineers working for large tech companies tend to earn more than those working for smaller firms. The largest tech companies in the USA are Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft.
It is important to note that the BLS salary data is a general estimate, and actual salaries may be higher or lower depending on a variety of factors. Additionally, the software engineering field is constantly evolving, and salaries are likely to continue to change over time as technology advances and the demand for software engineers grows.