Designs, writes, and maintains software systems. Demand remains strong despite 2023-24 tech contraction.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Software Engineers. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $97,000 | $69,800 | $128,700 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $120,600 | $86,800 | $159,900 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $138,700 | $99,800 | $183,900 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $166,400 | $119,700 | $220,600 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $188,600 | $135,700 | $250,100 |
Top 10 states by median Software Engineer salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $215,000 | $163,400 | $279,400 | +55% |
| Washington | $196,900 | $149,700 | $256,000 | +42% |
| Washington DC | $194,200 | $147,600 | $252,400 | +40% |
| New York | $187,200 | $142,300 | $243,400 | +35% |
| Massachusetts | $180,300 | $137,000 | $234,400 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $174,700 | $132,800 | $227,200 | +26% |
| Connecticut | $167,800 | $127,500 | $218,100 | +21% |
| Colorado | $166,400 | $126,500 | $216,300 | +20% |
| Maryland | $166,400 | $126,500 | $216,300 | +20% |
| Texas | $159,500 | $121,200 | $207,300 | +15% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $117,900 | $89,600 | $153,200 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $116,500 | $88,500 | $151,400 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $116,500 | $88,500 | $151,400 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $116,500 | $88,500 | $151,400 | -16% |
| Alabama | $115,100 | $87,500 | $149,600 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $115,100 | $87,500 | $149,600 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $110,900 | $84,300 | $144,200 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $110,900 | $84,300 | $144,200 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $108,200 | $82,200 | $140,600 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $108,200 | $82,200 | $140,600 | -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.
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