As of March 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Senior Computer Engineer in the US is $144,903, equivalent to $70 per hour, $2,787 weekly, or $12,075 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Senior Computer Engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for Senior Computer Engineer in the US vary widely, spanning from $127,209 to $162,117. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($135,641) and 75th percentile ($153,913), while top earners (90th percentile) make $162,117 per year. This $18,272 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Attention to Detail or 3D CAD, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Senior Computer Engineer often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 40 companies and industry startups. 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
Senior Computer Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Senior Computer Engineer Salary $127,209 US March 01, 2026
25th Percentile Senior Computer Engineer Salary $135,641 US March 01, 2026
50th Percentile Senior Computer Engineer Salary $144,903 US March 01, 2026
75th Percentile Senior Computer Engineer Salary $153,913 US March 01, 2026
90th Percentile Senior Computer Engineer Salary $162,117 US March 01, 2026
25% $135,641 10% $127,209 90% $162,117 75% $153,913 $144,903 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is a Senior Computer Engineer ?

A software engineer is a person who applies the principles of software engineering to the design, development, maintenance, testing, and evaluation of computer software. Prior to the mid-1970s, software practitioners called themselves computer programmers or software developers, regardless of their actual jobs. Many people prefer to call themselves software developer and programmer, because most widely agree what these terms mean, while the exact meaning of software engineer is still being debated....

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/18/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

See user submitted job responsibilities for Senior Computer Engineer.

Job Openings for Senior Computer Engineer

Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    CAD Drafter IV

    7 + years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. This Job:

    Senior Computer Engineer

    10 + years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  3. Up a level:

    CAD Supervisor

    3 + years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

Understand the total compensation opportunity for a Senior Computer Engineer, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
135641
153913
144903

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
166866
212454
189131
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Senior Computer Engineer in the United States. The base salary for Senior Computer Engineer ranges from $135,641 to $153,913 with the average base salary of $144,903. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $166,866 to $212,454 with the average total cash compensation of $189,131.
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135641
153913

 

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