How Much Does a Software Engineering Lead Make?

Updated March 01, 2025
As of March 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Software Engineering Lead in the United States is $162,135. While Salary.com is seeing that Software Engineering Lead salary in the US can go up to $195,224 or down to $131,481, but most earn between $146,089 and $179,455. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $146,089 10% $131,481 90% $195,224 75% $179,455 $162,135 50%(Median)
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Similar Job Salaries to Software Engineering Lead by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
L3Harris
Lead, Systems Engineering - Software Engineering
$131,037/yr
$117,114
$144,959
RANGE: $117,114 - $144,959
Halo Studios
Principal Software Engineering Lead
$217,791/yr
$191,292
$244,289
RANGE: $191,292 - $244,289
Microsoft Power Platform Community
Principal Software Engineering Lead
$217,791/yr
$191,292
$244,289
RANGE: $191,292 - $244,289
Schneider Electric
Senior Software Engineering Lead
$172,112/yr
$153,788
$190,436
RANGE: $153,788 - $190,436
State Street Corporation
Software Engineering Lead
$142,659/yr
$127,437
$157,881
RANGE: $127,437 - $157,881
ESRI
Software Engineering Lead in C++
$142,930/yr
$127,679
$158,181
RANGE: $127,679 - $158,181
AssetMark Financial Holdings, Inc.
Software Engineering Technical Lead
$136,753/yr
$122,210
$151,297
RANGE: $122,210 - $151,297
Dotdash Meredith
Software Engineering Lead
$151,083/yr
$135,650
$166,515
RANGE: $135,650 - $166,515
MMC Group
Software Engineering - Application Lead
$128,846/yr
$115,060
$142,632
RANGE: $115,060 - $142,632
Contract Professionals, Inc
Software Engineering Lead
$138,727/yr
$123,524
$153,930
RANGE: $123,524 - $153,930

Open Software Engineering Lead Jobs in the United States

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What Does a Software Engineering Lead Do?

Boehm defines software engineering, which involves, ‘the practical application of scientific knowledge to the creative design and building of computer programs.
Updated December 17, 2021
Find out more about software engineering degrees and careers, and learn about salaries and employment projections for this specialized field.
Updated December 16, 2021
Often a CTO, Architect, VP of Engineering, or principal role, where they are in a position to lead, mentor, or serve as an example and inspiration to other members of the organization.
Updated December 16, 2021
Whenever the software process was based on scientific and engineering, it is easy to re-create new software with the help of software engineering.
Updated December 16, 2021
An advanced certification, the PSEM tests the candidate’s knowledge of software engineering principles as well as technical skills through an applied examination.
Updated December 15, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Software Engineering Lead Salaries

What is the average of a Software Engineering Lead in the United States?

The Software Engineering Lead salary range is from $146,089 to $179,455, and the average Software Engineering Lead salary is $162,135/year in the United States. The Software Engineering Lead's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Software Engineering Lead salary in the United States?

The Software Engineering Lead salary in San Jose, CA is $203,479 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Software Engineering Lead's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Software Engineering Lead.

What is the growth rate of the Software Engineering Lead's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Software Engineering Lead or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Software Engineering Lead.

Recent Salary Report

Below are the most recent Software Engineering Lead salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.

$143,861 Yearly
A Software Engineering Lead in Rogers, AR reported making $143,861 per year
Rogers, AR
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$137,175 Yearly
A Software Engineering Lead in Stockton, CA reported making $137,175 per year
Stockton, CA
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$84 Hourly
A Software Engineering Lead in Elkhart, IN reported making $84 per hour
Elkhart, IN
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$16,119 Monthly
A Software Engineering Lead in Sarasota, FL reported making $16,119 per month
Sarasota, FL
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public
$170,234 Yearly
A Software Engineering Lead in Peoria, AZ reported making $170,234 per year
Peoria, AZ
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$67 Hourly
A Software Engineering Lead in Altoona, PA reported making $67 per hour
Altoona, PA
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public