As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Software Dev Engineer in the United States is $147,765 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.
However, a Senior Software Dev Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Senior Software Dev Engineer'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 Senior Software Dev Engineer'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 Senior Software Dev Engineer | $141,715 |
| Intermediate Level Senior Software Dev Engineer | $142,471 |
| Senior Level Senior Software Dev Engineer | $143,227 |
| Specialist Level Senior Software Dev Engineer | $145,950 |
| Expert Level Senior Software Dev Engineer | $151,090 |
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 Senior Software Dev Engineers. 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
|
$153,676 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$152,198 |
3%
|
|
Solution Design
|
$150,720 |
2%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$150,720 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$150,720 |
2%
|
|
Insight
|
$150,720 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Senior Software Dev Engineers 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 Senior Software Dev Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $143,573 and $150,375).
Senior Software Dev Engineer 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 Senior Software Dev Engineer'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 Senior Software Dev Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $139,377 in 2023 to around $137,452 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Senior Software Dev Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $139,377 |
| 2024 | $138,423 |
| 2025 | $137,452 |
| 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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