Pharma, education, healthcare — historic East Coast hub. Here's how Software Engineers in Philadelphia get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Philadelphia metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $104,000 | $79,100 | $135,300 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $129,300 | $98,300 | $168,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $148,700 | $113,000 | $193,300 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $178,400 | $135,600 | $231,900 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $202,200 | $153,600 | $262,800 |
Highest-paying metros for Software Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Philadelphia metro economy.
The average Software Engineer salary in the Philadelphia metro is $148,700 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $113,000 to $193,300 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $245,300 or more.
Yes — Philadelphia pays +3% relative to the Pennsylvania state median for Software Engineers. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Philadelphia vs. national: +7%. Philadelphia pays roughly in line with the national average for Software Engineers. Whether that's a 'good' deal depends on local cost of living and your career stage.
In Philadelphia, the median Software Engineer salary of $148,700 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Software Engineers in Philadelphia start around $104,000, while seniors (10+ years) reach $178,400 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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