As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Software Engineer in the United States is $111,737 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.
However, a Research Software Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Research Software 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 Research Software 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 Research Software Engineer | $106,690 |
| Intermediate Level Research Software Engineer | $107,531 |
| Senior Level Research Software Engineer | $108,372 |
| Specialist Level Research Software Engineer | $111,401 |
| Expert Level Research Software Engineer | $114,646 |
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 Research Software Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.39% |
| Technical Writing | 2.07% |
| Sample Collection | 1.36% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$146,375 |
31%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$118,441 |
6%
|
|
Microsoft Word
|
$117,324 |
5%
|
|
Technical Excellence
|
$117,324 |
5%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$117,324 |
5%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$116,206 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research Software 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 Research Software Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $95,403 and $103,984).
Research Software Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 35.1% |
| High School | 59.7% |
| Associates | 5.2% |
| Bachelors | 35.1% |
| Masters | 59.7% |
| Doctorate | 5.2% |
Understanding how a Research Software 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 Research Software Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $139,321 in 2023 to around $126,951 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Research Software Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $139,321 |
| 2024 | $132,374 |
| 2025 | $126,951 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Research Software Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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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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