As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for computer software engineering in Washington, DC is $154,232, equivalent to $74 per hour, $2,966 weekly, or $12,853 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for computer software engineering in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for computer software engineering in Washington, DC vary widely, spanning from $130,937 to $179,617. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($142,039) and 75th percentile ($167,519), while top earners (90th percentile) make $179,617 per year. This $25,480 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Software Development, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, Washington computer software engineering often earn 0.0% higher than national averages. However, Washington currently ranks 84 statewide for computer software engineering job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
computer software engineering Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile computer software engineering Salary $130,937 Washington, DC January 01, 2026
25th Percentile computer software engineering Salary $142,039 Washington, DC January 01, 2026
50th Percentile computer software engineering Salary $154,232 Washington, DC January 01, 2026
75th Percentile computer software engineering Salary $167,519 Washington, DC January 01, 2026
90th Percentile computer software engineering Salary $179,617 Washington, DC January 01, 2026
25% $142,039 10% $130,937 90% $179,617 75% $167,519 $154,232 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out computer software engineering jobs in Washington, District of Columbia

Vice President, Software Engineering

Confidential - Washington, D.C., DC

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What is A computer software engineering ?

Computer software engineering is a dynamic field that involves the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software applications and systems. Professionals in this role typically possess strong programming skills, a solid understanding of algorithms, and knowledge of software development methodologies. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, create technical specifications, and implement solutions that meet user needs. Salaries for computer software engineers can vary widely based on factors such as experience, education, location, and the specific indus...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

See user submitted job responsibilities for computer software engineering.

Job Openings for computer software engineering in Washington, DC

Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Software Engineer II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. This Job:

    computer software engineering

    4 - 7 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  3. Up a level:

    Software Engineer IV

    7 + years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

Understand the total compensation opportunity for A computer software engineering, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
142039
167519
154232

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
153667
188509
170240
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of computer software engineering in Washington, DC. The base salary for computer software engineering ranges from $142,039 to $167,519 with the average base salary of $154,232. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $153,667 to $188,509 with the average total cash compensation of $170,240.

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142039
167519

 

About Washington, District of Columbia    Washington, D.C. is located in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. East Coast. Due to the District of Columbia retrocession, the city has a total area....More

Washington, District of Columbia  area prices were up 1.3% from a year ago

computer software engineering Salary in popular cities:

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