As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Backend Software Engineer I in the United States is $81,940 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Backend Software Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Backend Software Engineer I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $88,410 | $7,368 | $1,700 | $43 |
| Average | $81,940 | $6,828 | $1,576 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,450 | $6,454 | $1,489 | $37 |
Pivotal Solutions - Lucas County, OH
CBTS - Cincinnati, OH
Medium - Cleveland, OH
JPMorgan Chase & Co. - Columbus, OH
A Backend Software Engineer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Backend Software Engineer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Backend Software Engineer I | 0-2 years | $81,939 |
| Backend Applications Developer II | 2-4 years | $104,785 |
| Backend Applications Developer III | 4-7 years | $125,127 |
| Backend Applications Developer IV | 7+ years | $145,389 |
| Backend Applications Developer V | 7-10 years | $151,026 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Backend Software Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Backend Software Engineer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $88,410 | $7,368 | $1,700 | $43 |
| Average | $81,940 | $6,828 | $1,576 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,450 | $6,454 | $1,489 | $37 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Backend Software Engineer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Application Programmer Analyst II | $95,300 | 16% |
| Software Research and Design Architect II | $94,500 | 15% |
| Backend Applications Developer II | $104,800 | 28% |
| Full Stack Engineer Intermediate | $105,800 | 29% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Backend Software Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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