Median software engineer salary in United States is $150k. Junior roles (0–2 years) start at $90k; senior roles (7+ years) reach $250k+. Numbers reflect 2026 US market data.
Software engineers in the United States earn a median salary of $120,000 to $130,000 annually, with senior positions commanding $150,000 to $200,000 or more. Your compensation depends heavily on location—San Francisco and New York engineers earn 40-60% more than those in smaller markets—plus your experience level, specialization, and company size. Early-career engineers typically start between $90,000 and $110,000, while those with 5+ years often reach $140,000-$160,000. Tech leaders and architects frequently exceed $200,000 when including stock options and bonuses. The gap between junior and senior roles remains substantial, but demand for engineers continues to outpace supply, giving you negotiating leverage. Whether you're entering the field or advancing your career, understanding your market value is critical to avoiding underpayment. Use the job listings and salary data below to benchmark your worth against real positions in your target location.
| Level | Years | Salary (median) | 10th–90th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0–2 | $90k | $77k – $108k |
| Mid-level | 3–6 | $150k | $128k – $180k |
| Senior | 7+ | $250k | $213k – $350k |
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