Software Engineer Level 4 Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Engineer Level 4 make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Engineer Level 4 in the United States is $159,687 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $77.

However, a Software Engineer Level 4's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $181,197
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $146,486 to $170,946
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $134,467
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View as table View as graph 25% $146,486 10% $134,467 90% $181,197 75% $170,946 $159,687 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Engineer Level 4 Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $170,946 $14,246 $3,287 $82
Average $159,687 $13,307 $3,071 $77
25th Percentile $146,486 $12,207 $2,817 $70
Check out Software Engineer Level 4 Job Openings in the United States
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Key Factors That Influence Software Engineer Level 4 Salaries

A Software Engineer Level 4'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Software Engineer Level 4 Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Engineer Level 4'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $156,020
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $156,570
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $157,853
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $159,320
  • Expert (over 8 years): $160,960
Levels Salary
Entry Level Software Engineer Level 4$156,020
Intermediate Level Software Engineer Level 4$156,570
Senior Level Software Engineer Level 4$157,853
Specialist Level Software Engineer Level 4$159,320
Expert Level Software Engineer Level 4$160,960
$156,020 0 yr
$156,570 < 2 yrs
$157,853 2-4 yrs
$159,320 5-8 yrs
$160,960 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Software Engineer Level 4 Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 4s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $176,805.
  • California: $176,135.
  • Massachusetts: $173,787.

Top Paying Cities for Software Engineer Level 4s

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $201,413
  • San Francisco: $199,433
  • Oakland: $195,010

What Skills Can Increase a Software Engineer Level 4's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 6.52% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • PowerPoint (Mentioned in 2.13% Job Postings): A computer software created by Microsoft which allows the user to create slides with recordings, narrations, transitions and other features in order to present information.
  • Oncology (Mentioned in 1.33% Job Postings): Designing, constructing, and repairing dental prosthetics and restorative and orthodontic devices to help patients correct dental conditions.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 6.52%
PowerPoint 2.13%
Oncology 1.33%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Software Engineer Level 4's salary.
  • Search Engines: Can increase your salary by up to 38%.
  • Motivating: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • SEM: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Search Engines
$220,368
38%
Motivating
$180,446
13%
SEM
$178,849
12%
Oral Communication
$172,462
8%
Business Acumen
$170,865
7%
Integrity
$169,268
6%
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Software Engineer Level 4 Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Engineer Level 4'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, 2026

Salary Trends for Software Engineer Level 4

Salaries for a Software Engineer Level 4 can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $125,370 in 2023 to around $123,715 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Engineer Level 4 salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Software Engineer Level 4 Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$125,370
2024
$124,473
2025
$123,715
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $125,370
2024 $124,473
2025 $123,715
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Software Engineer Level 4

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Software Engineer Level 4

Here are companies hiring for Software Engineer Level 4 and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Engineer Level 4 job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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