As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Development Engineer Sr in the United States is $118,776 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, a Development Engineer Sr's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Development Engineer Sr'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 Development Engineer Sr'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 Development Engineer Sr | $115,071 |
| Intermediate Level Development Engineer Sr | $115,340 |
| Senior Level Development Engineer Sr | $116,414 |
| Specialist Level Development Engineer Sr | $121,025 |
| Expert Level Development Engineer Sr | $123,274 |
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 Development Engineer Srs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.08% |
| Computer Vision | 2.84% |
| Deep Learning | 2.06% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Deep Learning
|
$129,466 |
9%
|
|
Computer Vision
|
$127,090 |
7%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$125,903 |
6%
|
|
Machine Learning
|
$125,903 |
6%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$123,527 |
4%
|
|
Algorithms
|
$123,527 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Development Engineer Srs 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 Development Engineer Sr with a Bachelor's Degree is between $115,563 and $123,542).
Development Engineer Sr Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 14.7% |
| Associates | 0.9% |
| Bachelors | 14.7% |
| Masters | 25.7% |
| Doctorate | 58.7% |
Understanding how a Development Engineer Sr'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, 2026Salaries for a Development Engineer Sr can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $121,382 in 2023 to around $120,080 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Development Engineer Sr salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $121,382 |
| 2024 | $121,789 |
| 2025 | $120,080 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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