Software Engineer
Software developers design and create computer applications. Software quality assurance (QA) analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects. Software developers typically have a bachelor's degree in computer science.
$130,160
Median Salary
$139,271
Mean Salary
1,795,900
Total Employment
25%
Job Growth
Much faster than average
Bachelor's degree
Education
502,852
Openings/Year
Salary Distribution
10th Percentile $78,096
25th Percentile $101,525
Median $130,160
75th Percentile $166,605
90th Percentile $218,669
Salary Map
Lower Mid Higher
Top Employing States
California 157,725
New York 117,631
Texas 110,708
Illinois 85,190
Pennsylvania 81,817
Salary by State
| # | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | $218,313 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $218,251 |
| 3 | California | $196,373 |
| 4 | New York | $195,950 |
| 5 | District of Columbia | $194,932 |
| 6 | Washington | $178,154 |
| 7 | New Hampshire | $175,148 |
| 8 | Maryland | $167,756 |
| 9 | Connecticut | $166,465 |
| 10 | Virginia | $163,221 |
| 11 | Oregon | $162,435 |
| 12 | New Jersey | $158,062 |
| 13 | Vermont | $156,679 |
| 14 | Delaware | $150,012 |
| 15 | Rhode Island | $149,788 |
| 16 | Alaska | $141,372 |
| 17 | Montana | $134,131 |
| 18 | Missouri | $134,075 |
| 19 | Louisiana | $133,160 |
| 20 | Ohio | $132,778 |
| 21 | Alabama | $129,503 |
| 22 | Florida | $129,483 |
| 23 | Wyoming | $127,922 |
| 24 | Illinois | $127,657 |
| 25 | South Dakota | $127,589 |
| 26 | Nevada | $127,100 |
| 27 | Pennsylvania | $126,940 |
| 28 | Colorado | $126,875 |
| 29 | Georgia | $126,565 |
| 30 | Maine | $125,096 |
| 31 | South Carolina | $124,474 |
| 32 | Utah | $122,749 |
| 33 | Minnesota | $122,150 |
| 34 | Oklahoma | $121,261 |
| 35 | Iowa | $121,139 |
| 36 | Idaho | $119,355 |
| 37 | Kansas | $118,178 |
| 38 | Michigan | $117,854 |
| 39 | Arizona | $116,850 |
| 40 | Wisconsin | $113,141 |
| 41 | Kentucky | $112,141 |
| 42 | North Carolina | $111,289 |
| 43 | New Mexico | $110,893 |
| 44 | Arkansas | $110,361 |
| 45 | West Virginia | $109,279 |
| 46 | Nebraska | $107,297 |
| 47 | North Dakota | $106,259 |
| 48 | Texas | $105,739 |
| 49 | Mississippi | $104,907 |
| 50 | Tennessee | $101,182 |
| 51 | Indiana | $101,069 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Software Engineer?
The median salary for a Software Engineer is $130,160 per year nationally. Salaries range from $78,096 (10th percentile) to $218,669 (90th percentile).
What education do you need to become a Software Engineer?
A Software Engineer typically requires a bachelor's degree.
What is the job outlook for Software Engineers?
Employment of software engineers is projected to grow 25% — much faster than average. About 502,852 openings are expected each year.
Which state pays Software Engineers the most?
Massachusetts pays the highest median salary for software engineers at $218,313 per year.
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