As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Engineer Level 3 in the United States is $76,427 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Software Engineer Level 3's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Engineer Level 3'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 Level 3'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 Level 3 | $76,931 |
| Integrate... Level Software Engineer Level 3 | $94,584 |
| Integrate... Level Software Engineer Level 3 | $126,765 |
| Integrate... Level Software Engineer Level 3 | $143,264 |
| Integrate... Level Software Engineer Level 3 | $180,034 |
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 Level 3s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 27.76% |
| Agile | 0.48% |
| Jira | 0.35% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Storyboard
|
$103,176 |
35%
|
|
Python
|
$93,240 |
22%
|
|
AWS
|
$89,419 |
17%
|
|
Use Cases
|
$88,655 |
16%
|
|
Partnering
|
$88,655 |
16%
|
|
Solution Design
|
$88,655 |
16%
|
For Software Engineer Level 3 roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Software Engineer Level positions in Media or Insurance typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Engineer Level 3 as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $91,712 | $44.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $91,712 | $44.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $91,712 | $44.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $91,712 | $44.0 | 20% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $91,712 | $44.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Engineer Level 3s enter the field with a Associate'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 Level 3 with a Associate's Degree is between $75,410 and $79,296).
Software Engineer Level 3 Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.3% |
| High School | 8.7% |
| Associates | 6.5% |
| Bachelors | 63.0% |
| Masters | 17.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Software Engineer Level 3'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Software Engineer Level 3 can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $78,645 in 2023 to around $78,324 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Engineer Level 3 salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $78,645 |
| 2024 | $79,617 |
| 2025 | $78,324 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Engineer Level 3 roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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.)
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