Keeps production systems alive at scale. Originated at Google, now industry-standard.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Site Reliability Engineers. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $119,100 | $91,900 | $154,400 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $148,000 | $114,200 | $191,900 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $170,200 | $131,300 | $220,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $204,200 | $157,500 | $264,700 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $231,400 | $178,500 | $300,000 |
Top 10 states by median Site Reliability Engineer salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $263,800 | $200,500 | $343,000 | +55% |
| Washington | $246,800 | $187,600 | $320,800 | +45% |
| Washington DC | $238,300 | $181,100 | $309,800 | +40% |
| New York | $229,800 | $174,600 | $298,700 | +35% |
| Massachusetts | $221,300 | $168,200 | $287,600 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $214,500 | $163,000 | $278,800 | +26% |
| Connecticut | $205,900 | $156,500 | $267,700 | +21% |
| Maryland | $204,200 | $155,200 | $265,500 | +20% |
| Colorado | $199,100 | $151,300 | $258,900 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $194,000 | $147,500 | $252,200 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $144,700 | $110,000 | $188,100 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $143,000 | $108,700 | $185,900 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $143,000 | $108,700 | $185,900 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $143,000 | $108,700 | $185,900 | -16% |
| Alabama | $141,300 | $107,400 | $183,600 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $141,300 | $107,400 | $183,600 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $136,200 | $103,500 | $177,000 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $136,200 | $103,500 | $177,000 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $132,800 | $100,900 | $172,600 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $132,800 | $100,900 | $172,600 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
Get my personal Site Reliability Engineer salary report →