Software Development Engineer Salary in the United States

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How much does a Software Development Engineer make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Software Development Engineer in the United States is $132,618. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $109,861 to a high of $157,690, with most professionals earning between $120,706 and $145,742.

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Salary range for a Software Development Engineer
$120,706 to $145,742
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Software Development Engineer Salary in Major Cities

This chart shows the salary comparison for Software Development Engineer between major cities. San Francisco City consistently ranks #1 as of April 01, 2025. Click on the chart to see the detail salary data for Software Development Engineer in each city.

Software Development Engineer Salary by City

Click to see the salary for Software Development Engineer in these major U.S. cities.
City Name Average Salary
San Francisco, CA $165,627
Washington, DC $146,835
Miami, FL $127,419
Chicago, IL $137,047
Boston, MA $147,909
New York, NY $153,691
Dallas, TX $130,960
If you'd like know Software Development Engineer Salary in other cities, then please select a city in

Average Salary Range for Software Development Engineer

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
120706
145742
132618

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
125394
154878
139297
What is the average salary for Software Development Engineer in 2025?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Software Development Engineer in the United States. The base salary for Software Development Engineer ranges from $120,706 to $145,742 with the average base salary of $132,618. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $125,394 to $154,878 with the average total cash compensation of $139,297.

View Average Salary for Software Development Engineer as table

Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $132,618 $120,706 - $145,742
Bonus $6,679 $4,688 - $9,136
Total Pay $139,297 $125,394 - $154,878
* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.
* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.

Estimate Salary for Software Development Engineer online for free

Salary.com Estimate Salary Tool provides free, accurate and real-time salary for thousands of careers. Please enter the following pay factors for Software Development Engineer, to get a real-time salary target. If you want to get more detailed salary information, please view Professional Salary Report
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Your target salary is ?
120706
145742

 

Comments about Software Development Engineer

What's the difference between Principal Software Development Engineer and Software Development Engineer?
According to our latest salary estimation on April 01, 2025. The average salary of Software Development Engineer is $132,618, and the average salary of Principal Software Development Engineer is $182,622. The average salary of Principal Software Development Engineer is higher than Software Development Engineer. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
I am a Software Development Engineer, which location’s salary is higher, Riverside, CA or Bossier City, LA?
Riverside, CA typically sees higher pay than Bossier City, LA for Software Development Engineer. a Software Development Engineer Salary in Riverside, CA is $139,925 as of April 01, 2025; a Software Development Engineer Salary in Bossier City, LA is $121,664 as of April 01, 2025. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

Software Development Engineer Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the salary of a Software Development Engineer vary from city to city?
The cost of living is tied to salaries. If the expenses are higher in a particular city, then the wage level will be higher as well to afford the people can opportunity to live there. This is why you're always going to make more money in New York City for example, than in a small town. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
What are the Pay Factors for Software Development Engineer?
Salary ranges for a Software Development Engineer can vary widely, depending on the city and several other pay factors, including (but not limited to) education level, certifications, additional skills, and work experience. Click here to view Eight Factors That Can Affect Your Pay ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
How the Pay Factors Influence Your Pay?
Salaries are ultimately dictated by the position being applied to, and hiring company, but there are several important pay factors that come into play based on your individual history that could impact your value to the company. Salary.com's Personal Salary Report will analyze these factors for you to help you maximize your earning potential. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

Recently searched related titles: Application Software Engineer, Controls Software Engineer, Delivery Software Engineer

Learn more about: Compensation Packages, Employee Flight Risk, Gender Pay Gap, Job Openings for This Role

Jobs with a similar salary range to Software Development Engineer : Computer Vision Researcher, Software Administrator, Software Developers

Last Update: April 01, 2025