In 2025, the salary for a Software Engineer shapes career decisions for tech professionals worldwide. Software engineers create apps, websites, and computer programs that people use every day. They work at big tech companies like Google and Apple, small startups, and regular businesses that need technology help.
The job involves writing code, fixing bugs, and building new software features.
The tech job market is very competitive in 2025. Companies need more software engineers because everything uses technology now. From banking apps to video games, software engineers make it all work. This high demand means good pay for skilled engineers.
Some engineers work on mobile apps, others build websites, and some create artificial intelligence programs.
This blog will show you real software engineer salaries in 2025. You will learn how much new engineers make compared to experienced ones. We will look at which states pay the most money. You will also get tips to earn more as a software engineer. Understanding your market value helps you negotiate better pay and choose the right job opportunities in the fast-growing tech industry.
Average Salary for a Software Engineer in the USA?
$135,000 per year (Average)
Software engineer salaries in 2025 differ greatly across platforms. This is based on data from global salary surveys and government stats.
CDR Elite Writers reports a median of $133,644, while Built In shows $137,318, and Glassdoor reports $147,409. ZipRecruiter lists $147,524, Indeed shows $124,867, and PayScale reports $96,626. We calculated the $135,000 average by combining data from multiple salary platforms and tech industry surveys.
Software engineer salaries have remained stable in 2025 compared to previous years. The market has stabilized after the rapid growth from 2021 to 2023. Companies now focus on hiring quality engineers instead of just filling positions.
Salary for a Software Engineer Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: According to several U.S. salary surveys and government data sources, Software engineers in the USA earn between $96,626 and $147,524 each year on average. This pay varies a lot depending on where they work and the size of the company.
Salary range: Based on multiple salary data sources, software engineer pay ranges from $63,500 (lowest) to $205,500 (highest), with most professionals earning between $120,000 (25th percentile) and $173,000 (75th percentile). Premium sources show ranges from $117,707 to $230,357 for top earners.
Salary by experience:
- Government data shows that entry-level software engineers usually start at $83,500.
- Mid-level engineers with 3-7 years can earn between $120,000 and $160,000.
- Senior engineers often make $180,000 to $250,000 or even more each year.
75th percentile: Many U.S. data sources show that 75% of software engineers earn up to $173,000-$187,153 per year, while tech-focused platforms report median salaries of $185,000.
Salary for a Software Engineer: Regional Comparison
Location greatly affects software engineer salaries across the United States.
Tech hubs like Silicon Valley pay much more than smaller cities. The cost of living also changes how far your salary goes. States with many tech companies compete for talent with higher salaries. California offers the highest software engineer salary at $137,142, while Delaware provides the lowest at $88,690.
Here's how salaries compare across major U.S. regions:
State/Region | Average Salary | Difference vs National Average |
California | $137,142 | +2% above average |
Washington | $155,000+ | +15% above average |
New York | $145,000+ | +7% above average |
Delaware | $88,690 | -34% below average |
Data collected from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025
For the best value, consider states like Texas, North Carolina, or Colorado, where salaries are good but living costs are lower than in California or New York. San Francisco is the highest-paying city with an average wage of $148,924.
7 Tips to Grow Your Software Engineer Salary
1. Learn In-Demand Programming Languages: Master popular languages like Python, JavaScript, and Go. Engineers skilled in these languages often earn 15-20% more than those using older technologies, according to multiple tech salary surveys.
2. Get Cloud Certifications: Earning AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure certifications can boost your salary by 10-25%. Cloud skills are in high demand as more companies move to cloud computing.
3. Specialize in High-Paying Areas: Focus on artificial intelligence, machine learning, or cybersecurity. These specialties often pay 20-40% more than general software development roles.
4. Join Big Tech Companies: Companies like Google pay $190K-$2.31M+ for software engineers. Big tech firms offer higher base salaries plus stock options and bonuses.
5. Negotiate Your Total Compensation Package: Don't just focus on base salary. Include stock options, signing bonuses, and benefits in your negotiations. This can add 20-50% to your total compensation.
6. Build a Strong GitHub Portfolio: Showcase your best projects on GitHub. Employers pay more for engineers who can demonstrate real coding skills and completed projects.
7. Consider Remote Work Opportunities: Remote jobs often pay competitive salaries without location restrictions. You can earn Silicon Valley wages while living in lower-cost areas.
FAQs About a Software Engineer's Salary
Is the average salary for a Software Engineer before or after tax?
All salary numbers shown are gross annual salaries before taxes. You will need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes to find your actual take-home pay.
Does the salary for a Software Engineer include bonuses?
No, these base salary figures do not include bonuses, stock options, or signing bonuses. Many software engineers earn significant additional money through equity compensation and performance bonuses.
How much do entry-level Software Engineers make?
Entry-level software engineers typically earn around $83,500 per year, though this varies significantly by location and company size. Big tech companies may start new graduates at $120,000+.
Do Software Engineers get stock options?
Yes, many software engineers receive stock options or equity as part of their compensation package. This is especially common at tech companies and startups.
What programming languages pay the most for Software Engineers?
According to industry surveys, engineers skilled in Go, Scala, and Rust tend to earn the highest salaries. Python and JavaScript developers also command good salaries due to high demand.
How does a Software Engineer's pay compare to other tech jobs?
Software engineers typically earn more than web developers and QA testers but less than data scientists and engineering managers. They rank in the top 20% of all technology salaries.
Can Software Engineers work remotely and earn good money?
Yes, many software engineers work fully remote and earn competitive salaries. Remote work has become standard in the tech industry, especially after 2020.
Do Software Engineers at startups or big companies earn more?
Big companies typically offer higher base salaries and better benefits. Startups may offer lower base pay but potentially valuable equity that could be worth more long-term.
How long does it take to become a high-earning Software Engineer?
Most software engineers need 3-5 years of experience to reach six-figure salaries. Senior engineers with 7-10 years can often earn $150,000-$200,000+.
Are Software Engineer salaries expected to grow in the future?
Yes, software engineering employment is projected to grow 25% through 2032, much faster than average for all occupations. This strong growth should support continued salary increases.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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