As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Engineer Level 3 in the United States is $76,387 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Software Engineer Level 3 | $74,873 |
| Intermediate Level Software Engineer Level 3 | $76,386 |
| Senior Level Software Engineer Level 3 | $79,809 |
| Specialist Level Software Engineer Level 3 | $82,436 |
| Expert Level Software Engineer Level 3 | $82,873 |
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
|
$103,122 |
35%
|
|
Python
|
$93,192 |
22%
|
|
AWS
|
$89,372 |
17%
|
|
Use Cases
|
$88,608 |
16%
|
|
Partnering
|
$88,608 |
16%
|
|
Solution Design
|
$88,608 |
16%
|
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 January 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 |
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|
| 2023 | $78,645 |
| 2024 | $79,617 |
| 2025 | $78,324 |
| 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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