As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Engineer IV in the United States is $148,892 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer II | 2-4 years | $105,085 |
| Software Engineer III | 4-7 years | $128,692 |
| Software Engineer IV | 7+ years | $148,892 |
| Software Engineer V | 7-10 years | $171,160 |
| Software Engineering Manager | 10+ years | $169,534 |
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
|
$154,848 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$153,359 |
3%
|
|
Solution Design
|
$151,870 |
2%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$151,870 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$151,870 |
2%
|
|
Insight
|
$151,870 |
2%
|
Software Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $166,534. While startup companies pay approximate $140,838.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $140,838 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $148,959 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $160,821 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $166,534 |
For Software Engineer IV 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 positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $186,115 | $89.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $178,670 | $86.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $171,226 | $82.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $171,226 | $82.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $163,781 | $79.0 | 10% |
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 July 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 $171,160 - 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 $187,797.
The highest pay for Software Engineer IV is $167,765.
The lowest pay for Software Engineer IV is $128,683.
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.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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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