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Backend Software Engineering Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Backend Software Engineering Manager make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Backend Software Engineering Manager in the United States is $152,730 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $73.

However, a Backend Software Engineering Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $174,146
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $139,500 to $163,940
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $127,455

Key Factors That Influence Backend Software Engineering Manager Salaries

A Backend Software Engineering Manager'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.

How Experience Level Affects Backend Software Engineering Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Backend Software Engineering Manager'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:

  • Backend Applications Developer V (7-10 years): $172,525
  • Backend Applications Developer Supervisor (10+ years): $139,337
  • Backend Software Engineering Manager (10+ years): $152,725
  • Backend Applications Developer Senior Manager (10+ years): $183,230
  • Backend Applications Developer Director (10+ years): $199,188
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Backend Applications Developer V7-10 years$172,525
Backend Applications Developer Supervisor10+ years$139,337
Backend Software Engineering Manager10+ years$152,725
Backend Applications Developer Senior Manager10+ years$183,230
Backend Applications Developer Director10+ years$199,188

Top Paying Cities for Backend Software Engineering Managers

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:

  • San Jose: $192,640
  • San Francisco: $190,530
  • Oakland: $186,510

Backend Software Engineering Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Backend Software Engineering Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $170,507. While startup companies pay approximate $144,376.

Backend Software Engineering Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $144,376
Growth Stage 51~500 $152,660
Established 501~5000 $164,638
Enterprise 5000+ $170,507

Backend Software Engineering Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Backend Software Engineering Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Backend Software Engineering Manager positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Backend Software Engineering Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Backend Software Engineering Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$190,912$92.025%
Biotechnology$183,276$88.020%
Pharmaceuticals$183,276$88.020%
Financial Services$175,640$84.015%
Energy & Utilities$168,003$81.010%

Backend Software Engineering Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Backend Software Engineering Manager'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.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$139,500
Average $152,730/year
$163,940
$11,625
Average $12,728/month
$13,662
$2,683
Average $2,937/week
$3,153
$67
Average $73/hour
$79
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $163,940 $13,662 $3,153 $79
Average $152,730 $12,728 $2,937 $73
25th Percentile $139,500 $11,625 $2,683 $67

Backend Software Engineering Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Backend Software Engineering Manager, 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.

Backend Software Engineering Manager Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Application Design and Development Senior Manager $179,500 18%
Software Research and Design Architect Senior Manager $180,800 18%
Backend Applications Developer Senior Manager $183,300 20%

Most common benefits for Backend Software Engineering Manager

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Backend Software Engineering Manager

Here are companies hiring for Backend Software Engineering Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Backend Software Engineering Manager

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Backend Software Engineering Manager?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Backend Software Engineering Manager roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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