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Software Solutions Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Solutions Engineer I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Solutions Engineer I in the United States is $69,490 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $80,571
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,490 to $75,290
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $56,117
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Software Solutions Engineer I Salaries

A Software Solutions Engineer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Software Solutions Engineer I 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 Solutions Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $76,990.
  • California: $76,690.
  • Massachusetts: $75,590.

Top Paying Cities for Software Solutions Engineer Is

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: $87,690
  • San Francisco: $86,690
  • Oakland: $84,890

What Skills Can Increase a Software Solutions Engineer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 8.3% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 2.8% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Tableau (Mentioned in 1.73% Job Postings): Using business intelligence software to perform data analysis, data visualization, and the BI process of an organization.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 8.3%
Computer Science 2.8%
Tableau 1.73%
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 Solutions Engineer I's salary.

  • Coaching: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Team Development: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • API: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Coaching $77,829
12%
Team Development $73,659
6%
API $72,965
5%
Get Latest Data

Software Solutions Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software Solutions Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $77,658. While startup companies pay approximate $65,691.

Software Solutions Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $65,691
Growth Stage 51~500 $69,475
Established 501~5000 $74,989
Enterprise 5000+ $77,658

Software Solutions Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Solutions Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Software Solutions Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Solutions Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Solutions Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$83,388$40.020%
Biotechnology$83,388$40.020%
Business Services$83,388$40.020%
Chemicals$83,388$40.020%
Construction$83,388$40.020%

How Education impacts a Software Solutions Engineer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Solutions 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 Solutions Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $72,547 and $78,071).

Software Solutions Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Software Solutions Engineer I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 13.2%
Associates 11.5%
Bachelors 57.0%
Masters 16.9%
Doctorate 0.9%
View as Graph

Software Solutions Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Solutions 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 September 01, 2026
$62,490
Average $69,490/year
$75,290
$5,208
Average $5,791/month
$6,274
$1,202
Average $1,336/week
$1,448
$30
Average $33/hour
$36
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $75,290 $6,274 $1,448 $36
Average $69,490 $5,791 $1,336 $33
25th Percentile $62,490 $5,208 $1,202 $30

Software Solutions Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Solutions Engineer I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Solutions Engineer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer II $93,200 34%
Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Engineer II $83,400 20%
Intermediate Software Support Engineer $83,400 20%

Most common benefits for Software Solutions Engineer I

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

Common company salaries for Software Solutions Engineer I

Here are companies hiring for Software Solutions Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Software Solutions Engineer I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Software Solutions Engineer I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Solutions Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Can an engineer make $500,000?

Can a software engineer make $500,000? Yes, but it's important to note that the typical salary range for a Software Solutions Engineer is between $67,990 and $89,190. While some may achieve higher earnings through experience, specialized skills, or leadership roles, reaching $500,000 is not common for most in this field.

3. How much does a solutions engineer make at Microsoft?

A Software Solutions Engineer typically earns between $67,990 and $89,190, with a median salary of $77,690. This range reflects the competitive compensation for this role, which may vary based on experience, location, and specific responsibilities within the company.

4. Do solutions engineers make good money?

Solutions Engineers can earn competitive salaries. Based on the data, the minimum salary is $67,990, the mid-range salary is $77,690, and the maximum salary reaches $89,190. This indicates that Solutions Engineers can make a good income, especially as they gain experience and expertise in the field.

5. Is solution engineering a good career?

The position of Solutions Engineer is highly regarded and comes with a competitive salary range, with a minimum of $67,990, a mid-level salary of $77,690, and a maximum of $89,190. This role not only offers attractive compensation but also allows you to shape the technical direction of a company, making it a rewarding career choice.

6. What is the highest salary for a solutions engineer?

The highest salary for a Software Solutions Engineer is $89,190. The top 10% of employees in this role earn more than $89,190 annually, while the top 1% earn significantly more. The salary range for this position typically starts at $67,990, with a mid-level salary of $77,690.

7. What is the highest paying job in the world?

While CEO positions are often considered the highest paying jobs globally, roles like Software Solutions Engineer also offer competitive salaries. For this position, salaries range from $67,990 to $89,190, with a median salary of $77,690. This reflects the demand for skilled professionals in technology, making it a lucrative career choice.

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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