As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Engineer 1 in the United States is $82,159 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Software Engineer 1's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Engineer 1'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 1'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 |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Software Engineer 1 | $82,681 |
| Software ... Level Software Engineer 1 | $106,400 |
| Software ... Level Software Engineer 1 | $130,307 |
| Software ... Level Software Engineer 1 | $150,765 |
| Software ... Level Software Engineer 1 | $173,303 |
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 1s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.82% |
| Python | 4.66% |
| Linux | 2.71% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$99,412 |
21%
|
|
Code Review
|
$91,196 |
11%
|
|
Kubernetes
|
$91,196 |
11%
|
|
Project Management
|
$91,196 |
11%
|
|
API
|
$91,196 |
11%
|
|
AWS
|
$91,196 |
11%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Engineer 1s 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 1 with a Bachelor's Degree is between $78,103 and $82,080).
Software Engineer 1 Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 1.8% |
| Associates | 2.5% |
| Bachelors | 58.4% |
| Masters | 34.0% |
| Doctorate | 3.0% |
Understanding how a Software Engineer 1'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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a Software Engineer 1 can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $85,845 in 2023 to around $85,251 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Engineer 1 salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $85,845 |
| 2024 | $85,948 |
| 2025 | $85,251 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Software Engineer 1 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.
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.)
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