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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 October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Engineer - Project Lead in the United States is $148,890 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): $167,994
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $138,390 to $158,890
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $128,830
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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): $107,344
  • Senior Software Engineer (4-7 years): $128,686
  • Software Engineer - Project Lead (7+ years): $148,880
  • Software Developer V (7-10 years): $171,157
  • Software Development Manager (10+ years): $169,545
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Intermediate Software Engineer2-4 years$107,344
Senior Software Engineer4-7 years$128,686
Software Engineer - Project Lead7+ years$148,880
Software Developer V7-10 years$171,157
Software Development Manager10+ years$169,545
View as Graph

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: $187,790
  • San Francisco: $185,790
  • 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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 2.83%
Open Source 3.66%
Programming 2.62%
See More Skills

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 $154,846
4%
Flexibility $153,357
3%
Solution Design $151,868
2%
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Software Engineer - Project Lead Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software Engineer - Project Lead salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $166,220. While startup companies pay approximate $140,746.

Software Engineer - Project Lead Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $140,746
Growth Stage 51~500 $148,821
Established 501~5000 $160,499
Enterprise 5000+ $166,220

Software Engineer - Project Lead Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Engineer - Project Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 49% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Software Engineer - Project Lead positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Engineer - Project Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Engineer - Project Lead

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$186,112$89.025%
Pharmaceuticals$178,668$86.020%
Financial Services$171,224$82.015%
Insurance$171,224$82.015%
Biotechnology$163,779$79.010%

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%
View as Graph

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 October 01, 2026
$138,390
Average $148,890/year
$158,890
$11,533
Average $12,408/month
$13,241
$2,661
Average $2,863/week
$3,056
$67
Average $72/hour
$76
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $158,890 $13,241 $3,056 $76
Average $148,890 $12,408 $2,863 $72
25th Percentile $138,390 $11,533 $2,661 $67

Software Engineer - Project Lead Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Engineer - Project Lead

Next Role

Advancement

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 $171,160 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Software Engineer - Project Lead

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

Common company salaries for Software Engineer - Project Lead

Here are companies hiring for Software Engineer - Project Lead and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Software Engineer - Project Lead

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Software Engineer - Project Lead?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Engineer - Project Lead roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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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