As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Engineer I in the United States is $81,660 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Software Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer I | 0-2 years | $81,660 |
| Software Engineer II | 2-4 years | $105,086 |
| Software Engineer III | 4-7 years | $128,698 |
| Software Engineer IV | 7+ years | $148,904 |
| Software Engineer V | 7-10 years | $171,163 |
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 Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.82% |
| Python | 4.66% |
| Linux | 2.71% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$98,809 |
21%
|
|
Code Review
|
$90,643 |
11%
|
|
Kubernetes
|
$90,643 |
11%
|
|
Project Management
|
$90,643 |
11%
|
|
API
|
$90,643 |
11%
|
|
AWS
|
$90,643 |
11%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Engineer Is 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 Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $78,103 and $82,080).
Software Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 1.8% |
| Associates | 2.5% |
| Bachelors | 58.4% |
| Masters | 34.0% |
| Doctorate | 3.0% |
Understanding how a 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.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026For a Software Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $105,086 - a projected growth of 29% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Software Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Software Engineer I'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 Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Engineer I is $102,998.
The highest pay for Software Engineer I is $93,337.
The lowest pay for Software Engineer I is $68,455.
Designs and develops software applications. Gathers and evaluates end-user requirements. Develops build plans. Performs coding, debugging, testing, code review, and troubleshooting throughout the software development lifecycle. Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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