As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Engineering Manager in the United States is $169,512 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $81.
However, a Software Engineering Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer IV | 7+ years | $148,915 |
| Software Engineer V | 7-10 years | $171,165 |
| Software Engineering Manager | 10+ years | $169,512 |
| Software Engineering Director | 10+ years | $214,137 |
| VP of Software Engineering | 10+ years | $241,479 |
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 Software Engineering Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 3.75% |
| Agile | 3.66% |
| Docker | 2.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Employment Authorization
|
$176,292 |
4%
|
|
Experimenting
|
$176,292 |
4%
|
|
Mentoring Others
|
$176,292 |
4%
|
|
Diversity and Inclusion
|
$174,597 |
3%
|
|
Docker
|
$174,597 |
3%
|
|
People Management
|
$174,597 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Engineering Managers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Software Engineering Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $154,371 and $162,936).
Software Engineering Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 2.6% |
| Associates | 1.4% |
| Bachelors | 45.9% |
| Masters | 45.3% |
| Doctorate | 4.6% |
Understanding how a 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 January 01, 2026For a Software Engineering Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software Engineering Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $214,137 - a projected growth of 26% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Software Engineering Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Software Engineering Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Software Engineering Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Engineering Manager is $213,805.
The highest pay for Software Engineering Manager is $195,521.
The lowest pay for Software Engineering Manager is $150,763.
Manages the design and development of software applications. Monitors the evaluations of user requirements and the development of build plans. Directs the work of engineers, including coding, debugging, testing, code review, and troubleshooting, to ensure best practices in software development. Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
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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