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Software Engineer - Project Lead Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Engineer - Project Lead make in the United States?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Engineer - Project Lead in the United States is $148,990 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.

However, a Software Engineer - Project Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $167,903
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $138,390 to $158,890
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $128,739
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View as table View as graph 25% $138,390 10% $128,739 90% $167,903 75% $158,890 $148,990 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Engineer - Project Lead Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $158,890 $13,241 $3,056 $76
Average $148,990 $12,416 $2,865 $72
25th Percentile $138,390 $11,533 $2,661 $67
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Key Factors That Influence Software Engineer - Project Lead Salaries

A Software Engineer - Project Lead'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.

How Experience Level Affects Software Engineer - Project Lead Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Engineer - Project Lead'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:

  • Intermediate Software Engineer (2-4 years): $105,086
  • Senior Software Engineer (4-7 years): $128,700
  • Software Engineer - Project Lead (7+ years): $148,907
  • Software Developer V (7-10 years): $171,164
  • Software Development Manager (10+ years): $169,520
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Intermediate Software Engineer2-4 years$105,086
Senior Software Engineer4-7 years$128,700
Software Engineer - Project Lead7+ years$148,907
Software Developer V7-10 years$171,164
Software Development Manager10+ years$169,520
$105,086 Intermedi...
$128,700 Senior So...
$148,907 Software ...
$171,164 Software ...
$169,520 Software ...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Software Engineer - Project Lead Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 - Project Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $164,890.
  • California: $164,290.
  • Massachusetts: $162,090.

Top Paying Cities for Software Engineer - Project Leads

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: $187,890
  • San Francisco: $185,990
  • Oakland: $181,890

What Skills Can Increase a Software Engineer - Project Lead's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 2.83% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Open Source (Mentioned in 3.66% Job Postings): Open source is a term that originally referred to open source software (OSS). Open source software is code that is designed to be publicly accessible—anyone can see, modify, and distribute the code as they see fit
  • Programming (Mentioned in 2.62% Job Postings): Executing logic to facilitate computing operations and functionality in one or more languages.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 2.83%
Open Source 3.66%
Programming 2.62%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Software Engineer - Project Lead's salary.
  • Relationship Management: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Flexibility: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Solution Design: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Relationship Management
$154,950
4%
Flexibility
$153,460
3%
Solution Design
$151,970
2%
Attention to Detail
$151,970
2%
Innovation
$151,970
2%
Insight
$151,970
2%
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How Education impacts a Software Engineer - Project Lead's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Engineer - Project Leads 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 - Project Lead with a Bachelor's Degree is between $142,875 and $149,635).

Software Engineer - Project Lead Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Software Engineer - Project Lead
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.2%
High School 2.0%
Associates 1.5%
Bachelors 45.8%
Masters 44.0%
Doctorate 6.5%
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Software Engineer - Project Lead Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Engineer - Project Lead'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 March 01, 2026

Software Engineer - Project Lead Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Software Engineer - Project Lead, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software Developer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $171,170 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Software Engineer - Project Lead

Salaries for a Software Engineer - Project Lead can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $141,184 in 2023 to around $139,234 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Engineer - Project Lead salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Software Engineer - Project Lead Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$141,184
2024
$140,218
2025
$139,234
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $141,184
2024 $140,218
2025 $139,234
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Software Engineer - Project Lead

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Software Engineer - Project Lead

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Engineer - Project Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Software Engineer - Project Lead

1. Can you make over 200k as a software engineer?

While the typical salary range for a Software Engineer - Project Lead is between $139,490 and $166,490, it is possible to exceed $200k in certain circumstances. This often occurs in high-demand tech hubs or at successful startups, where compensation packages may include bonuses and stock options that significantly boost total earnings.

2. Can you make 500k a year as a software engineer?

Yes, but not all software engineers will reach that level of compensation. For instance, a Software Engineer - Project Lead typically earns between $139,490 and $166,490 annually, with a mid-salary of $151,890. To achieve higher earnings, consider joining a high-growth company early on for equity opportunities or advancing into senior management roles.

3. Is project lead better than project manager?

While both project leads and project managers aim for project success, they have distinct roles. The project lead focuses on technical leadership, guiding the team through challenges, while the project manager emphasizes strategic planning and resource management. In terms of compensation, project leads earn between $139,490 and $166,490, reflecting their specialized expertise and responsibilities.

4. Can I make 100k as a project manager?

As a Software Engineer - Project Lead, you can expect salaries starting at $139,490, with a mid-range salary of $151,890 and a maximum of $166,490. Achieving a $100,000 salary is feasible, especially with experience and relevant certifications like PMP, CAPM, or CSM, which can enhance your earning potential and job prospects.

5. What is another name for a project lead?

Some alternative job titles for a project lead include Program Manager, Project Coordinator, Project Leader, Operations Manager, Team Lead, and Scrum Master. In this role, professionals can expect a salary range from $139,490 to $166,490, with a mid-salary of $151,890, reflecting the responsibilities and expertise required in managing projects effectively.

6. What is the highest paying software job in USA?

The highest paying software job in the USA is the Software Engineer - Project Lead, with a salary range from $139,490 to $166,490. The average salary for this role is approximately $151,890. This position often involves overseeing projects, leading teams, and ensuring successful software development outcomes, making it a lucrative career choice in the tech industry.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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