Tools Software Engineer Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Tools Software Engineer in the United States is $81,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $101,306
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $72,964 to $91,676
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $65,556

Key Factors That Influence Tools Software Engineer Salaries

A Tools Software Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Tools Software Engineer 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 Tools Software Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $89,794.
  • California: $89,453.
  • Massachusetts: $88,261.

Top Paying Cities for Tools Software Engineers

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: $102,291
  • San Francisco: $101,171
  • Oakland: $99,039

What Skills Can Increase a Tools Software Engineer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 9.94% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • 5S (Mentioned in 2.2% Job Postings): Stands for sort, sustain, set in order, standardized and shine. 5 tips that are designed to achieve clean, uncluttered, safe, and well organized workplace for a more systematized work flow.
  • Sustainability (Mentioned in 1.85% Job Postings): Sustainability is a societal goal that broadly aims for humans to safely co-exist on planet Earth over a long time. Specific definitions of sustainability are difficult to agree on and therefore vary in the literature and over time.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 9.94%
5S 2.2%
Sustainability 1.85%

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 Tools Software Engineer's salary.

  • SOP: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Process Improvement: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Lean: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
SOP $85,155
5%
Process Improvement $85,155
5%
Lean $85,155
5%

Tools Software Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Tools Software Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, Tools Software Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Tools Software Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Tools Software Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$98,942$48.022%
Biotechnology$97,320$47.020%
Software & Networking$95,698$46.018%
Energy & Utilities$93,265$45.015%
Chemicals$89,210$43.010%

How Education impacts a Tools Software Engineer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Tools Software Engineers enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Tools Software Engineer with a No Diploma is between $82,992 and $88,260).

Tools Software Engineer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Tools Software Engineer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 16.7%
High School 66.7%
Associates 16.7%
Bachelors 0.0%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%

Tools Software Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Tools Software Engineer'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 October 01, 2026
$72,964
Average $81,100/year
$91,676
$6,080
Average $6,758/month
$7,640
$1,403
Average $1,560/week
$1,763
$35
Average $39/hour
$44
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $91,676 $7,640 $1,763 $44
Average $81,100 $6,758 $1,560 $39
25th Percentile $72,964 $6,080 $1,403 $35

Most common benefits for Tools Software Engineer

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Tools Software Engineer

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

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FAQ about Tools Software Engineer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Tools Software Engineer?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Tools Software Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 22% above the market median.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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