Software engineering is one of the fastest-growing careers in the United States, offering high demand and competitive salaries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 18% growth in software developer jobs from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
In 2025, the average software engineer salary in the US is $123,491 per year , with top cities like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle paying over $140,000. Specialized roles such as Machine Learning and Blockchain engineers often earn higher. Salaries also vary based on experience, role, and certifications.
This blog provides detailed insights into the average salary in the US for Software Engineers, including variations by experience, job role, city, and top companies. It also explores key factors influencing salaries and career growth opportunities for software engineers in 2025.
What is the Average Salary in the US for Software Engineers?
Software engineering is a rewarding field and software engineers in the US are among the highest-paid professionals globally. The average salary in the US for software engineers includes many parts:
Base Salary
Cash Compensation
Annual Bonus
Health Insurance
Other Perks
Depending on the company and the profile of the software professional, there may be other benefits offered.
According to Indeed, the average software engineer salary in the US is $123,491 (INR 1,05,33,831) per annum, which can go up to $195,679 (INR 1,66,90,905) based on the experience of an individual or the location of work.
Let us take a look at the average salary earned by software engineers in the United States of America based on city, experience level, and job profile.
Average Salary in the US for Software Engineers Based on Experience
The average salary in the US for software engineers increases with experience. At the entry level, most engineering graduates earn an approximate salary of $90,000–$130,00. With an experience of 1 to 3 years, the salary increases to approximately $110,000–$130,000.
Similarly, with experience of 5 to 7 years and beyond, these professionals can expect to earn $140,000+ salary annually.
Take a look at the figures in the table below:
Experience
Average Salary
1 year
$101,823 (INR 86,84,353) per annum
1-3 years
$111,167 (INR 94,81,288) per annum
3-5 years
$127,410 (INR 1,08,66,633) per annum
5-7 years
$139,024 (INR 1,18,57,176) per annum
7+ years
$143,145 (INR 1,22,07,334) per annum
Source: Builtin
Note: The amount mentioned above may vary due to fluctuating exchange rates.
Average Salary in the US for Software Engineers Based on Job Role
In terms of job roles, the salaries of software engineers in the US vary significantly. For instance, Front-End Developers earn around $109,000 (INR 92,98,405) on average per year, while Blockchain Developers make about $127,000 (INR 1,08,34,331) per annum, while Network Engineers can earn an average salary of $133,000 (INR 1,13,46,186) annually.
Specialized roles like DevOps Engineers and Machine Learning Engineers can earn more than $130,000 per year.
Here's a list of some specialized roles and the average payment received by these professionals in the USA:
Job Role/Profiles
Average Salary
QA Analyst
$84,339 (INR 71,91,963) per annum
Junior Software Developer
$87,847 (INR 74,91,109) per annum
Junior Software Engineer
$89,518 (INR 76,33,468.41) per annum
Tableau Developer
$94,349 (INR 80,45,422) per annum
Web Developer
$96,212 (INR 82,03,371) per annum
Software Test Engineer
$101,068 (INR 86,17,411) per annum
Automation Engineer
$105,832 (INR 90,23,605) per annum
Front End Developer
$109,218 (INR 93,12,966) per annum
Network Engineer
$133,313 (INR 1,13,69,532) per annum
Blockchain Developer
$127,025 (INR 1,08,33,263) per annum
Source: Builtin
Note: The amount mentioned above may vary due to fluctuating exchange rates.
Average Salary in the US for Software Engineers Based on Location
Location is another significant component that impacts the average salary of computer science engineersin the US. Cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York pay competitive salaries compared to the national average.
Here’s a list of some popular US cities offering high salaries to Software Engineers:
Cities
Average Base Salary
San Francisco
$159,524 (INR 1,36,08,115) per annum
San Jose
$152,022 (INR 1,29,68,161) per annum
New York
$149,097 (INR 1,27,16,602) per annum
Seattle
$142,622 (INR 1,21,64,348) per annum
Plano
$110,512 (INR 94,25,955) per annum
Dallas
$106,642 (INR 90,95,871) per annum
Redmond
$134,524 (INR 1,14,72,342) per annum
Austin
$106,642 (INR90,95,871) per annum
Boise
$106,555 (INR 90,87,116) per annum
Source: Indeed
Note: The amount mentioned above may vary due to fluctuating exchange rates.
Key Factors Influencing the Average Salary in the US for Software Engineers
The average salary for software engineers in the US is influenced by several key factors, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industry. Location, experience level, industry specialization, and the employer's size and reputation are some of the key factors. Understanding these variables is crucial for professionals aiming to optimize their earning potential in the field.
Take a look at some of the factors influencing the salary of software engineers in the USA:
Level of Experience
The average salary of a software engineer in the US is influenced by the level of experience of the professional. A software engineer may earn a salary of $80,000 to $90,000 at the time of joining a company. With experience, their salary also increases and may go up to $140,000 or more. Along with a salary increase, professionals may move to leadership roles with time.
Educational Background and Qualifications
Relevant educational qualifications, such as a degree in computer science engineering or a related field, can allow better job opportunities and higher pay for professionals. With advanced degrees, such as a PhD, candidates can acquire leading roles in research and development with premium salaries.
Specific Programming Languages or Skills in Demand
Engineers with expertise in languages like Python and Java, and other high-demand areas like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, can expect higher salaries.
Technology, Finance, and Healthcare sectors
Salaries of software engineers are normally high in the finance and technology sectors due to the complexity and challenges of their job roles.
Geographic Location and Living Cost
Cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York pay more as the living costs are high compared to cities like Austin and Denver, which have relatively lower living costs.
Impact of Certifications on Salaries
Industry-relevant certifications like AWS Certified Developer, Google Cloud Engineer, or PMP can also boost the salary of software professionals.
Average Salary in the US for Software Engineers Offered by Top Companies
Most of the top technology companies in the US pay competitive salaries to software engineers. For example, Google and Meta offer average total compensation packages within the range of $150,000–$200,000, while companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple also pay rewarding salaries to software engineers.
Take a look at the average salary in the US for Software Engineers paid by top companies:
Top Companies
Average Salary
Netflix
$203,997 (INR 1,74,03,585) per annum
Airbnb
$178,921 (INR 1,52,64,278) per annum
Meta
$174,320 (INR 1,48,71,639) per annum
Google
$155,095 (INR 1,32,31,510) per annum
LinkedIn
$157,300 (INR 1,34,19,497) per annum
Uber
$155,216 (INR 1,32,41,709) per annum
Apple
$151,030 (INR 1,28,85,124) per annum
Amazon
$141,226 (INR 1,20,48,696) per annum
Microsoft
$136,050 (INR 1,16,07,104) per annum
Salesforce
$162,681 (INR 1,38,78,129) per annum
Adobe
$154,860 (INR 1,32,10,920) per annum
IBM
$130,910 (INR 1,11,67,803) per annum
NVIDIA
$165,881 (INR 1,41,51,145) per annum
Oracle
$122,362 (INR 1,04,38,585) per annum
Stripe
$172,026 (INR 1,46,75,795) per annum
Source: Indeed
Note: The amount mentioned above may vary due to fluctuating exchange rates.
Career Growth Potential and Opportunities for Software Engineers in the USA
Software engineering is an ever-growing and innovative market that offers robust growth opportunities for professionals in the USA. The industry is constantly driven by pioneering technology and huge demands. Cities like Seattle, Austin, and California are among the key tech hubs, offering a plethora of rich and high-paying jobs to engineers.
Looking ahead, software engineering offers wide avenues of promising growth. This is evident in the forecasts of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which state that the overall employment of software developers, testers, and quality assurance analysts is likely to increase by 17 % from 2023 to 2033, a rate that is much faster than the average for all other occupations. Besides, the dependency of almost every industry on software solutions and different types of engineering is also boosting the scope of this profession for aspirants.
Furthermore, AI, automation, and robotics are taking over and creating new opportunities in specialized fields for software engineers. With all this and more, the future of software engineering in the US can be summed up as limitless.
Software engineering in the US offers strong growth and high salaries. With the right skills, experience, and focus on in-demand technologies, you can earn more in specialized roles or top companies. Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle provide the highest pay, but opportunities exist nationwide.
The future of this career is bright, with demand expected to grow fast. Knowing the average salary in the US for software engineers and factors that influence pay can help you make smart career choices. With consistent learning and smart decisions, you can achieve both career success and financial stability in this exciting field.
What is the starting salary for software engineers in the US?
Entry-level software engineers in the US typically earn between $80,000 and $95,000 per year. The salary can vary based on the city, company, and candidate’s skills. High-demand roles in tech hubs like San Francisco and New York may start higher, reflecting the cost of living and market demand.
How does location impact software engineer salaries in the US?
Location plays a major role in determining salaries. Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle offer significantly higher pay than cities like Austin or Boise. High living costs in major tech hubs are reflected in compensation, while smaller cities offer lower salaries but often provide a better work-life balance.
Which tech skills increase software engineer pay in the US?
Software engineers with expertise in Python, Java, AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and blockchain often earn higher salaries. Specialized skills in emerging technologies are in high demand, allowing professionals to command premium compensation, especially in top-tier tech companies or roles involving complex problem-solving.
How do certifications affect software engineer salaries in the US?
Industry-recognized certifications such as AWS Certified Developer, Google Cloud Engineer, and PMP can boost salaries. Certified professionals often qualify for specialized or higher-paying roles. Employers value certifications as proof of skills, which can lead to promotions, better job offers, and higher overall compensation.
Do software engineers earn more in tech or finance sectors?
Software engineers in the tech and finance sectors usually earn more due to the complexity and business impact of their roles. Companies like Google, Meta, and top finance firms offer higher pay than non-tech sectors. Specialized roles in finance or technology often include bonuses and stock options.
How much does experience impact a software engineer’s salary in the US?
Experience strongly influences salaries. Entry-level engineers may earn $80,000–$95,000, while mid-level engineers with 5–7 years experience can earn $130,000–$140,000. Senior engineers or those with 10+ years often earn $150,000+, with leadership roles or specialized positions providing even higher pay.
Which US cities pay software engineers the highest salaries?
San Francisco, San Jose, New York, Seattle, and Redmond consistently offer the highest salaries for software engineers. These cities are major tech hubs with high living costs. Smaller cities like Austin, Dallas, and Boise offer lower salaries but can provide cost advantages and growing tech opportunities.
Do specialized roles earn more than general software engineering positions?
Yes. Specialized roles such as DevOps, Machine Learning, Blockchain, and Network Engineering typically earn higher salaries than general software engineering positions. Employers value expertise in high-demand areas, resulting in premium compensation packages that often exceed national averages.
How do top US tech companies pay software engineers?
Companies like Netflix, Meta, Google, Amazon, and Apple offer competitive salaries ranging from $140,000 to over $200,000 per year. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, stock options, and perks. Pay varies by experience, role, and specialization, with tech leaders rewarding highly skilled engineers generously.
Can international students work as software engineers in the US?
Yes. International students can work in the US as software engineers using work visas like H-1B after graduation. Many tech companies sponsor visas for skilled professionals. Salaries are competitive, similar to domestic hires, and depend on experience, specialization, and the location of the job.
Are remote software engineering jobs in the US well-paid?
Remote software engineering positions often offer salaries close to on-site roles, especially if the company is based in a high-paying city. Compensation may vary depending on the company’s location, the candidate’s experience, and technical expertise. Remote roles can provide flexibility while maintaining competitive pay.
How does a master’s degree affect software engineer salaries in the US?
Having a master’s degree can increase earning potential, especially in specialized fields like AI, cybersecurity, or data science. Advanced degrees may open leadership or research roles with higher pay. Companies value additional qualifications as evidence of expertise, often translating into larger salary packages.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them w...
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