Guide to Software Engineer Salary in US: Rates Comparison by State in 2025
Key Takeaways:
- The average software engineer salary in the USA is $105,683.
- California offers the software engineer highest salary — $137,142.
- San Francisco is the highest-paying city, with an average wage of $148,924.
- Delaware provides the least attractive annual salary for software developers — $88,690.
- California, Maryland, and Virginia are the top three states for junior developers. Their salaries range between $81,076 and $99,528 per year.
- Location, experience, industry, and skills in demand affect software engineer salaries.
The size of the US software development market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from 2024 to 2030, reaching USD 2.2 billion. If you compare the numbers globally, the USA generates the most revenue in the IT sector. Aside from generating the biggest share of revenue and paying the highest salaries, the US includes one of the best IT company giants within its borders. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that the USA releases many great software solutions that are highly praised worldwide.
How much do software engineers make in the USA? The average salary in the USA is $105,683, but specialists in AI, cloud computing, data analysis, cybersecurity, software development, and mobile development can command higher salaries.
Qubit Labs compiled in-depth research on the average software engineer salary by state and city in the USA to help you understand the technical landscape and salary expectations. You can also compare these rates with the software engineer salary by country to identify the best locations and experts to entrust your software development to.
Factors Influencing Software Engineer Salaries in the US
Unique tech expertise, mastery of popular and rare programming languages, high-paying industries, company size, and high living expenses in metropolitan areas influence salary levels.
Experience Levels: Entry-Level, Mid-Level, and Senior Engineers
Entry-level professionals are paid differently than those with 5-8+ years of experience. Software engineers usually experience a significant rise in their income potential as they acquire practical experience and transferable skills. Their vast knowledge and unique expertise allow them to increase their salaries and advance their careers.
Specializations and Technologies in Demand
Specific languages and specializations dominate the industry, leading to fierce talent competition and a high median salary. Python, Java, JavaScript, C#, Rust, C++, Go, PHP, Kotlin/Swift, and Ruby are the most popular programming languages, and proficiency in this tech stack will raise the average IT salary 2025.
Moreover, certain technologies are on the rise, worsening the IT talent shortage as companies seek skilled professionals in software development, DevOps, data analysis, cybersecurity, and mobile development. This creates intense competition for top talent.
Industry-Specific Salary Variations
Different industries pay differently. As businesses look to recruit and retain experts in cutting-edge technology, salaries typically rise in sectors with a high demand for specialized skills, a severe shortage, and fierce competition for the most qualified employees. Here is a short overview of the highest-paying industries:
| Industry | Software Engineers Salary | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Fintech | ~ $175,262 | AI and blockchain expertise and a strong focus on cybersecurity. |
| Tech | ~ $135,000 | Cloud computing, cybersecurity, and software innovations are core areas. |
| Healthcare | ~ $135,000 | AI knowledge and a focus on ERM software. |
* Salary data is sourced from ziprecruiter.com and builtin.com
Company Size and Reputation
These factors directly affect the average software developer salary. Smaller companies often offer average or slightly above-average salaries with a small compensation package, which may include flexible working hours. Medium-sized companies offer competitive wages with attractive growth opportunities and bonuses for high productivity. Large tech giants provide the highest starting salary for a software engineer, attractive rates for more experienced professionals, extensive benefits, including health insurance and retirement contributions, and unique opportunities to work in a high-tech industry with a cutting-edge team.
Remote vs. On-Site Work Trends
A software engineer salary per month in USA depends on a specific location and regional demand. In California, the USA’s capital of the tech industry, the average software engineer salary is $137,142, or 30% above the national average. In North Dakota, a state with a less developed tech industry and a limited talent pool, the average salary software engineer is $76,281 or 28% below the national average.
Businesses seeking opportunities to drive innovation and access unique expertise should consider outsourcing vs outstaffing. These models allow them to tap into a global talent pool without budget overruns and missed deadlines.
National Average Software Engineer Salary in 2025
The demand for qualified software engineers will only increase in 2025 due to innovations in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, data analysis, and cybersecurity. In the US, salaries vary greatly depending on a tech stack, skill demand, industry, and company size. Let’s analyze the average software engineer salary in USA and future salary trends.
Median Annual Salary Across the US
Indeed shows that the software engineer average salary in the USA is $105,683.
The software developer entry salary is $65,141, whereas senior specialists earn $149,082.
Talent.com indicates that the average salary for software engineer in US is $112,484, and the software engineer salary per hour is $54.08. Junior developers make $89,895 annually, and the most experienced specialists earn $154,547 per year.
Based on ZipRecruiter data, the average salary of a software engineer in US is $111,845, or a $54 software engineer hourly rate.
Comparison with Previous Years
The software engineer salary by years of experience shows a significant decline compared to 2023. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that in 2023, the median pay was $130,160 per year or $62.58 per hour.
In 2024, the software engineering salary in the USA was $120,000, according to Qubit Labs research. In 2025, the average software engineer salary in US is $105,683. This is less than the salary in 2023 by $24,477 or about 18.79%, and $14,317 or about 11.94% less than the salary in 2024.
Projected Salary Trends
There will be increased demand for specialized skills in AI, blockchain, data analysis, cybersecurity, software and mobile development, DevOps, data analytics, and cloud computing. Therefore, the salaries of experts skilled in these areas will substantially increase.
Large enterprises will improve their compensation and bonus packages to stay competitive in the tech landscape and hire seasoned professionals. Remote work will also influence software engineer salaries. As more companies employ offshore talent with more attractive wages, the salary of on-site workers can decrease, as in 2025, compared to 2023 and 2024.
Software Developer Salary in USA by State in 2025
| State | Software Developer Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $137,142 |
| New York | $106,219 |
| Texas | $97,457 |
| Florida | $90,862 |
| New Jersey | $100,973 |
| Virginia | $104,950 |
| Maryland | $118,242 |
| Ohio | $87,233 |
| Michigan | $84,348 |
| Washington | $130,577 |
| Arizona | $90,877 |
| Colorado | $114,142 |
| Minnesota | $88,372 |
| Massachusetts | $107,740 |
| Pennsylvania | $93,048 |
| Utah | $92,796 |
| Indiana | $84,291 |
| Wisconsin | $98,078 |
| Alabama | $90,421 |
* Salary data is sourced from indeed.com
California
This state is one of the biggest IT hubs in the US, a location with a vast talent pool among developers, and is home to tech giants like Apple, Google, and Meta. California leads the way with over 1170 companies providing custom software development services. If we look at the yearly income, the average software engineer’s salary in California is $137,142 annually, depending on the level of skills and years of experience.
New York
New York offers a robust startup ecosystem, has a strong fintech focus, and hosts various innovative conferences, including The AI Summit New York, a top platform for sharing the latest AI insights. Python, Java, .NET, and Ruby on Rails are the most popular and highly demanded technical languages. As for salary, software engineers make around $106,219 per year in New York.
Texas
Texas is a growing tech hub focused on AI and software development. The Tech Summit, held annually in Austin, covers everything from IoT to cloud computing, allowing thousands of experts to sharpen their skills and strengthen their networks. What is software engineering salary in Texas? The average salary is $97,457 annually, and the average salary for senior roles in Texas is $136,487 annually.
Florida
Florida is also known as a tech-driven hub and a perfect place for software engineers to work. It is the third-biggest public university in the United States with a robust Computer & Information Science & Engineering Department. A local tech community focuses on aerospace and health tech, driving innovation in these competitive sectors. The average software engineer salary in Florida is about $90,862 per year, and the average hourly rate for developers in Florida is $39.02.
New Jersey
Princeton University in New Jersey has a computer science department with various student groups skilled in AI, ML, and diverse programming languages. The average software engineer salary in New Jersey is $100,973 per year or an equivalent hourly rate of $43.36. This is less than the average salary in the United States ($105,683) by $4,710 or about 4.46%. In addition, they earn an additional cash compensation of $5,000.
Virginia
Virginia is a popular state for various software development initiatives due to its strong government tech presence. Multiple strategic initiatives, such as the Unmanned Systems (UxS) Center, Regional Innovation Fund (RIF), Virginia Smart Community Testbed, Federal Funding Assistance Program (FFAP), and more, fuel talent demand and salary increases.
According to SalaryExpert, Virginia’s average software engineer salary is $132,135 annually, or an equivalent hourly rate of $63.53. This is ~25.02% higher (+$26,452) than the average software developer salary in the United States. In addition, they earn an average additional cash compensation of $5,000.
Maryland
Maryland’s software engineers are proficient in cybersecurity and biotech. Baltimore hosts the Cybersecurity Summit that connects C-Suite and senior executives who work on safeguarding organizations’ vital infrastructure with leading cybersecurity solution vendors.
The average software engineer salary in Maryland is $118,242 per year. An entry-level software developer (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of $99,528. On the other hand, a senior-level software developer (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of $162,122.
Ohio
Ohio State University has software engineering and programming languages research groups that focus on developing and debugging complex software systems. These groups enhance the quality of local candidates by providing them with advanced training in cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, ensuring they are ready to meet the industry’s challenges and make valuable contributions.
Ohio’s average software engineer salary is $87,233, or an equivalent hourly rate of $37.46. This is 17% lower than the average software developer salary in the United States. An entry-level US software engineer salary (1-3 years of experience) is $55,018. Conversely, a senior-level software developer (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of $123,235.
Michigan
Michigan is now the world’s foremost technological center for advancements in mobility. Michigan is developing innovations that are changing the industry, such as the connected vehicle corridor on I-94.
The average software engineer salary in Michigan is $84,348. An entry-level software developer (with 1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of $65,481. Conversely, a senior-level software developer (with 8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of $123,808.
Washington
Various tech hubs in Washington are at the forefront of innovation due to numerous tech universities, multiple conferences, and the presence of tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon that fuel the expansion of a local tech ecosystem. In 2025, employers in Washington will prioritize full-stack development, cloud computing, and AI engineering.
In Washington, developers make around $130,577 per year or $56.07 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $57,822 annually, while the most experienced workers make up to $165,576 annually.
Arizona
Arizona is an excellent option for anyone looking to advance in IT due to its thriving tech environment, affordable cost of living, and close-knit tech society. Arizona has one of the country’s largest hubs of software developer graduates compared to jobs available in the state. The average software engineer salary in Arizona is $90,877 per year.
Colorado
A local tech scene focuses on green tech and aerospace, industries that offer high salaries to software developers. This state hosts various conferences for Java and .NET developers as well as cybersecurity and automation specialists.
The average software engineer salary in Colorado is $114,142, or an equivalent hourly wage of $49.01. This is 8% higher than the average software developer salary in the United States. An entry-level software developer (with 1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of $66,596. On the other hand, a senior-level software developer (with 8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of $136,576.
Minnesota
Minnesota is a center for healthcare innovation, emphasizing medical device and equipment manufacture, insurance, and healthcare delivery developments. All healthcare companies offer professional developers among the highest salaries in the state, increasing the average software engineering salary.
The average software engineer salary in Minnesota is $88,372, or an equivalent hourly rate of $37.95. An entry-level software developer (with 1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of $56,180. On the other hand, a senior-level software developer (with 8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of $124,828.
Massachusetts
This state is a global leader in AI research. The Massachusetts AI Hub is an innovative project that will foster innovative cooperation between the government, businesses, startups, and academia, address diverse global issues, and provide economic opportunities for companies and citizens throughout the state.
The average software engineer salary in Massachusetts is around $107,740. An entry-level software developer (with 1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of $66,509. On the other hand, a senior-level software developer (with 8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of $147,332.
Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is a world leader in robotics and artificial intelligence and provides prestigious programs that continue to develop advances that can change the world.
Pittsburgh’s robotics companies include Carnegie Robotics, Aurora, Caterpillar, Gecko Robotics, and Smith+Nephew. Some of the world’s leading AI companies, such as Meta, Microsoft, and Google, are also represented in Pittsburgh. This dynamic landscape leads to a high demand for specialists and increased salaries.
Pennsylvania’s average software engineer salary is $93,048 annually, or $39.95 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $57,451 annually, while most experienced workers make up to $128,632 annually.
Utah
This state has a vibrant startup culture and is strong in cloud computing, one of the most popular domains for the coming years. A local business community organizes regular roundtables, conferences, and summits to discuss the latest advancements, real-world applications, and limitations.
The average software developer salary in Utah is $92,796 yearly, or an equivalent hourly rate of $39.85. This is 12% below the average software engineer salary in US. An entry-level software developer (with 1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of $72,188. On the other end, a software engineer salary by experience (with 8+ years of experience) is $134,133 annually.
Indiana
Indiana is known for driving AgriTech and manufacturing innovation. Manufacturers are progressively using automation, robotics, and IoT to gain a competitive advantage. Besides, AI is widely used by AgriTech businesses to improve crop monitoring and food supply chain efficiency.
The average software developer salary in Indiana is $84,291 annually, or $36.22 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $60,848 annually, while most experienced workers make up to $130,710 annually. This is 20% lower than the average software engineer salary USA. In addition, they earn an average cash bonus of $5,000.
Wisconsin
This state features vibrant farming communities and offers various initiatives to advance the AgriTech sector. The healthcare industry is also strong; it provides multiple solutions, including electronic health record (EHR) systems, health information exchange (HIE), patient portals, electronic prescribing, public health registries, clinical data registries, and telehealth.
The average software developer salary in Wisconsin is $98,078, or an equivalent software engineer hourly salary of $42.12. An entry-level software developer (with 1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of $55,924. On the other hand, a senior-level software developer (with 8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of $123,604.
Alabama
The state has numerous resources and initiatives, especially cybersecurity, the missile defense industry, space exploration, and rocket and missile manufacturing. Tens of thousands of people are employed in Alabama’s military sector, bringing in over $14 billion in defense spending annually.
Alabama’s software engineer developer salary is $90,421 annually or an equivalent hourly rate of $38.82. This is 14% lower than the average software engineer salary in USA. An entry-level software developer (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of $79,765. Conversely, a senior-level software developer (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of $124,831.
Software Engineer Salaries by Cities in 2025
| City | Software Developer Salary |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $136,523 |
| NYC | $145,149 |
| Chicago | $104,129 |
| Los Angeles | $125,529 |
| Houston | $91,202 |
| Atlanta | $98,962 |
| Austin | $103,573 |
| Dallas | $93,295 |
| Las Vegas | $92,711 |
| San Francisco | $148,924 |
| Denver | $112,098 |
| Boston | $116,800 |
| Tampa | $88,442 |
| Delaware | $83,303 |
| San Diego | $110,527 |
* Salary data is sourced from indeed.com
- Based on the research, San Francisco pays the highest salary of software engineer in US. The average software developer salary in San Francisco is around $148,924 per year. The software developer salary USA depends on a skills scope and experience level. For junior developers, San Francisco has the highest entry salary among other states — $99,471.
- The average software engineer salary in Seattle is approximately $136,523 per year. The salary is influenced by the tech focus on AI and cloud computing, large enterprises (e.g., Amazon) and ambitious startups looking for exceptional tech talent, and tech events influence the trends in compensation.
- Los Angeles is one of the biggest IT hubs in the USA. It has substantial developments in gaming and AI. The average software engineer salary in Los Angeles is around $125,529 yearly.
- The largest industries in New York are Artificial Intelligence and fintech. Python, Java, Node.js, Ruby, PHP, and .NET developers are in high demand. Depending on the skills and experience level, a software engineer’s salary in NYC can reach $145,149.
- Houston’s tech workforce counts over 235,000 IT professionals. Considering the city is still not one of the nation’s leading tech hubs, you can access a vast talent pool by partnering with Houston software development companies. The average software engineer salary in Houston is $91,202 per year.
- The University of Texas at Austin offers a first-class education, and various conferences and festivals attract talented engineers and innovative companies. These events also increase networking and talent visibility. The average software developer salary in Austin is $103,573.
- Atlanta has well-developed fintech and cybersecurity sectors, which boost local software engineer salaries. The average pay is $98,962, 6% below the national average.
- The Dallas region focuses on e-commerce and cloud computing. Its 322 companies are ready to implement custom software solutions. The average software engineer salary in Dallas is approximately $93,295 per year.
- Las Vegas is known as a casino city but also a great place for developers. It is one of the biggest IT hubs in the US, focusing on gaming and AI. The most popular and biggest tech companies are located there. The highest demand among technical languages is Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby on Rails, and .NET. The average software engineer salary in Las Vegas is $92,711.
- Chicago is home to various startups specializing in logistics, fintech, and healthtech. The average software developer salary in Chicago is $104,129.
- Denver is known as a city full of tech universities and business schools. Many developers choose Denver to live and build a career, as the average software developer salary there is $112,098 per year.
- Boston has a robust startup ecosystem, features large enterprises (e.g., Moderna), and has various government initiatives that help experts drive innovation in biotech, robotics, and AI. The average software engineers salary is $116,800.
- San Diego is home to Qualcomm, the global leader in next-generation wireless technologies, including 3G and 4G. In addition to wireless technologies, the local workforce is skilled in biotech and AI. The average salary is $110,527, close to the national average.
- In Tampa, with its robust tech education, and Delaware, with an emphasis on fintech startups, the software engineer salary ranges from $88,442 to $83,303.
Entry Level Software Developer Salary by State
| State | Entry-Level Developer Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $81,076 |
| New York | $62,886 |
| Texas | $57,084 |
| Florida | $59,319 |
| New Jersey | $60,820 |
| Virginia | $83,992 |
| Maryland | $99,528 |
| Ohio | $55,018 |
| Michigan | $65,481 |
| Washington | $57,822 |
| Arizona | $61,913 |
| Colorado | $66,596 |
| Minnesota | $56,180 |
| Massachusetts | $66,509 |
| Pennsylvania | $57,451 |
| Utah | $72,198 |
| Indiana | $60,848 |
| Wisconsin | $55,924 |
| Alabama | $79,765 |
* Salary data is sourced from indeed.com
The average software developer salary by state for junior developers ranges from $55,018 to $99,528. Their compensation depends on the talent demand and the company size, as renowned companies like Apple, Moderna, Google, and Netflix offer wages above the average and generous bonuses. Besides, the industry also plays a crucial role. Unity developer salary is higher than the wages offered for PHP or .NET professionals.
- Maryland, Virginia, and California are among the top three states with the highest pay. The average annual salary is between $81,076 and $99,528.
- Alabama and Utah offer an average total compensation of $79,765 and $72,198, respectively.
- New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Indiana offer the average software engineer salary of $60,820-$66,596.
- Ohio offers the lowest salary to junior software engineers: $55,018 annually.
Discover Software Engineer Salary with Qubit Labs
As the article shows, developers’ average salaries depend on their skills, experience, taxes, and location. California is the highest-paying state in the US, with an average annual salary of $137,142. San Francisco is the highest-paying city, with a yearly salary of $148,924. As for junior developers, Maryland has the highest salary for a software engineer in the US: $99,528.
If you are considering nearshore locations with more attractive rates but highly skilled and driven developers, such as various countries in Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Caucasus region. You can go for software development services in Poland, choose IT outsourcing to Romania, and hire software developers in Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Moldova.
To make an informed decision, you can request custom salary research free of charge. Our seasoned recruiters will study the local markets to give you a comprehensive understanding of the salary expectations of the local workforce, trends, and taxes. With this information, you can choose an outsourcing location wisely and allocate your budget strategically to maximize ROI.
Are you ready to build your dream team, or do you need professional assistance determining the number of specialists and expertise required for your project? Book a free consultation call to learn how Qubit Labs can provide you with first-class talent without hiring challenges or back-office hassle.
FAQ
What Is the Highest-Paying State for Software Engineers in 2025?
California is the highest-paying state with a base salary of $137,142, a beginner software engineer salary of $81,076, and a compensation of $172,491 for senior engineers.
What Are the Lowest-Paying States for Software Engineers?
Michigan, Indiana, and Minnesota are the lowest-paying states. The median salary of a software engineer with 3 years experience ranges from $84,291 to $88,372 in these areas.
How Much Do Entry-Level Software Engineers Make in 2025?
A software engineer salary in USA for freshers ranges from $55,018 in Ohio to $99,528 in Maryland.
What Are the Top-Paying Cities for Software Engineers?
How much do software engineers make? San Francisco, with a base pay of $148,924, NYC, with a developer salary in US of $145,149, and Seattle with an average software developer salary of $136,523, have the highest wages.
Are Remote Software Engineers Paid Less than On-site Workers?
Everything depends on the company’s compensation policy. In some cases, companies offer on-site employees higher salaries and diverse perks (e.g., gym membership). At the same time, remote workers can be paid less. However, more and more companies offer their employees the same salaries, regardless of location, to attract and retain the most qualified talent.
How Much Is a Software Engineer Paid in the USA?
The average software engineer salary USA is $105,683. The cash bonus is $5,000 annually. Thus, the average compensation is $110,683.
