As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Engineer IV in the United States is $148,915 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.
However, a Software Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Engineer IV'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 IV'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Software Engineer IV | $143,552 |
| Intermediate Level Software Engineer IV | $144,318 |
| Senior Level Software Engineer IV | $145,084 |
| Specialist Level Software Engineer IV | $147,842 |
| Expert Level Software Engineer IV | $153,049 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.83% |
| Open Source | 3.66% |
| Programming | 2.62% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Relationship Management
|
$154,872 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$153,382 |
3%
|
|
Solution Design
|
$151,893 |
2%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$151,893 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$151,893 |
2%
|
|
Insight
|
$151,893 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Engineer IVs 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $143,573 and $150,375).
Software Engineer IV Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a Software Engineer IV'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 January 01, 2026For a Software Engineer IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software Engineer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $171,165 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.
Salaries for a Software Engineer IV 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 IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $141,184 |
| 2024 | $140,218 |
| 2025 | $139,234 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Software Engineer IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Engineer IV is $187,826.
The highest pay for Software Engineer IV is $168,512.
The lowest pay for Software Engineer IV is $129,302.
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 highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ 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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