As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Release Manager in the United States is $148,290 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.
However, a Software Release Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Release 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Release 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Build and Release Engineer Intermediate | 2-4 years | $99,339 |
| Build and Release Engineer Senior | 4-7 years | $123,014 |
| Build and Release Engineer Specialist | 7+ years | $139,244 |
| Build and Release Engineer Expert | 7-10 years | $171,941 |
| Software Release Manager | 10+ years | $148,274 |
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 Release Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 6.36% |
| Scrum | 2.77% |
| Continuous Integration | 1.78% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
iOS
|
$157,187 |
6%
|
|
Partnering
|
$155,705 |
5%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$152,739 |
3%
|
|
Process Management
|
$152,739 |
3%
|
|
Integrity
|
$152,739 |
3%
|
|
Continuous Integration
|
$152,739 |
3%
|
Understanding how a Software Release 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 February 01, 2026Salaries for a Software Release Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $147,984 in 2023 to around $145,729 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Release Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $147,984 |
| 2024 | $147,723 |
| 2025 | $145,729 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Release management and quality assurance (QA) are closely linked in software development. They often collaborate and may even be handled by the same team or individual. The role of a Software Release Manager typically commands a salary range from $134,790 to $164,990, with a mid-salary of $151,490, reflecting the importance of this position in ensuring quality and timely software releases.
The difference between a Scrum Master and a Release Manager lies in their roles. The Scrum Master emphasizes the agile process and team performance, ensuring effective collaboration. In contrast, the Release Manager oversees the planning and execution of software releases. The salary for a Software Release Manager ranges from $134,790 to $164,990, with a midpoint of $151,490.
The day-to-day responsibilities of a Software Release Manager can be taxing, stressful, and all-consuming. With a salary range from $134,790 to $164,990, the role demands strong organizational and communication skills to manage releases effectively while balancing the pressures of deadlines and team coordination.
The highest paying manager position is often the Software Release Manager, with a salary range from $134,790 to $164,990, and a mid-salary of $151,490. Other high-paying management roles include Chief Executive Officer, Sales Manager, and Financial Manager, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in various industries.
Software Release Managers in the US earn between $134,790 and $164,990 annually, with a median salary of $151,490. This positions them competitively within the tech industry, reflecting their critical role in managing software releases and ensuring product quality.
A software Release Manager is an IT professional responsible for defining and overseeing the release management process within a company. They ensure that releases are well-planned and delivered on schedule, resulting in solutions that function as intended. The salary for this role typically ranges from $134,790 to $164,990, with a midpoint of $151,490.
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