Research Software Engineer Salaries in the United States
How Much Does a Research Software Engineer Make?
Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025,
the average annual pay of Research Software Engineer in the United States is $101,683.
While Salary.com is seeing that Research Software Engineer salary in the US can go up to $129,356
or down to $69,183, but most earn between $84,671 and $116,168.
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors,
including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels.
With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Research Software Engineer
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Similar Job Salaries to Research Software Engineer by Company
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| Company | average base salary in (usd) | range |
|---|---|---|
|
Rewbi
Research Software Engineer
|
$146,494/yr
|
RANGE: $131,973 - $161,015
|
|
The University of Manchester
Research Software Engineer
|
$120,949/yr
|
RANGE: $110,008 - $131,889
|
|
ProKatchers LLC
Research Development Software Engineer
|
$107,146/yr
|
RANGE: $96,798 - $117,493
|
|
Caltech (California)
Research Software Engineer
|
$125,327/yr
|
RANGE: $113,991 - $136,664
|
|
Oregon State University
Research Software Engineer 3
|
$117,000/yr
|
RANGE: $106,720 - $127,280
|
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Code4lib
Research Software Engineer II
|
$122,533/yr
|
RANGE: $111,449 - $133,616
|
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Moffitt Cancer Center Careers
Research Software Engineer
|
$104,605/yr
|
RANGE: $95,072 - $114,138
|
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SOLiD Gear Inc
Principal Research Engineer, Software
|
$148,971/yr
|
RANGE: $139,329 - $158,613
|
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Parsons Oman
Software Engineer - Robotics Research
|
$121,686/yr
|
RANGE: $110,994 - $132,377
|
|
OpenStack
Senior Research Software Engineer
|
$124,087/yr
|
RANGE: $113,240 - $134,934
|
What Does a Research Software Engineer Do?
Some RSEs are more researchers that do programming, and others are trained software engineers that work on research problems.
Updated December 19, 2021
In an ideal world, an institution would have a fully funded layer of research software engineers, where, for example, a graduate student that wanted help with development of an open source library could go.
Updated December 14, 2021
We do this by working as an integral part of traditional academic research groups, providing leadership in the design and construction of complex and highly customized software systems.
Updated December 11, 2021
A Senior Research Engineer sounds like someone who is not as involved in production cycles but is more focused on algorithms or long term strategic work.
Updated December 10, 2021
A good software engineer will keep abreast of the technological changes, seeking opportunities to learn more and continuously develop their skillset.
Updated December 10, 2021
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Explore JobArchitectFrequently Asked Questions About a Research Software Engineer Salaries
What is the average of a Research Software Engineer in the United States?
The Research Software Engineer salary range is from $84,671 to $116,168, and the average Research Software Engineer salary is $101,683/year in the United States.
The Research Software Engineer's salary will change in different locations.
Which location pays the highest Research Software Engineer salary in the United States?
The Research Software Engineer salary in San Jose, CA is $128,252
which is the highest in the US.
What kinds of reasons will influence the Research Software Engineer's salary?
Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary.
Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Research Software Engineer.
What is the growth rate of the Research Software Engineer's salary?
If you are thinking of becoming a Research Software Engineer or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Research Software Engineer.
Recent Salary Report
Below are the most recent Research Software Engineer salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.
$123,737
Yearly
A Research Software Engineer in Racine, WI reported making $123,737 per year
Racine, WI
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$56
Hourly
A Research Software Engineer in Lawton, OK reported making $56 per hour
Lawton, OK
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$7,430
Monthly
A Research Software Engineer in Gadsden, AL reported making $7,430 per month
Gadsden, AL
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public
$39
Hourly
A Research Software Engineer in Kingsport, TN reported making $39 per hour
Kingsport, TN
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$76,402
Yearly
A Research Software Engineer in Palmdale, CA reported making $76,402 per year
Palmdale, CA
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$130,848
Yearly
A Research Software Engineer in Virginia State University, VA reported making $130,848 per year
Virginia State University, VA
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
