Software Engineer Salary
technology · United States · 2025
National Median
$125,000
per year
National Salary Data
P10
$75k
Entry level
P25
$95k
Junior
P50
$125k
Median
P75
$160k
Senior
P90
$200k
Top earner
P10
$75,000
P50
$125,000
P90
$200,000
Salary Distribution Chart
City Salary Comparison
| City | P25 | Median | P75 |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CAHighest | $142,500 | $187,500 | $240,000 |
| New York, NY | $128,250 | $168,750 | $216,000 |
| Seattle, WA | $123,500 | $162,500 | $208,000 |
| Boston, MA | $118,750 | $156,250 | $200,000 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $114,000 | $150,000 | $192,000 |
| Austin, TX | $104,500 | $137,500 | $176,000 |
| Denver, CO | $104,500 | $137,500 | $176,000 |
| Chicago, IL | $99,750 | $131,250 | $168,000 |
| Dallas, TX | $95,000 | $125,000 | $160,000 |
| Miami, FL | $90,250 | $118,750 | $152,000 |
H-1B Average Wage
$122,500
DOL prevailing wage reference for Software Engineer
Source: U.S. Department of Labor H-1B Disclosure Data
Quick Stats
P10–P90 Range$75,000 – $200,000
Interquartile Range$95,000 – $160,000
Top City (SF)$187,500
Industrytechnology
Salary Negotiation Calculator
Based on Software Engineer market data
$
$
Market Median: $125,000
Current
$80,000
Increase
+$45,000
(+56.3%)
Target
$125,000
Negotiation Tips
- Research the market rate thoroughly — you are doing that now!
- Ask for 10-20% above your target to leave room for negotiation.
- Highlight your unique achievements and quantifiable impact.
- Consider the full compensation package: equity, benefits, PTO.
- Practice your pitch out loud before the actual conversation.