As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Software Engineer in the United States is $81,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, an Entry Software Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Software Engineer'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Software Engineer'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Software Engineer | 0-2 years | $81,660 |
| Intermediate Software Engineer | 2-4 years | $105,086 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 4-7 years | $128,698 |
| Software Developer IV | 7+ years | $148,904 |
| Software Developer V | 7-10 years | $171,163 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Entry Software Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.82% |
| Python | 4.66% |
| Linux | 2.71% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$98,857 |
21%
|
|
Code Review
|
$90,687 |
11%
|
|
Kubernetes
|
$90,687 |
11%
|
|
Project Management
|
$90,687 |
11%
|
|
API
|
$90,687 |
11%
|
|
AWS
|
$90,687 |
11%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Software Engineers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Software Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $77,766 and $81,736).
Entry Software Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 1.8% |
| Associates | 2.5% |
| Bachelors | 58.4% |
| Masters | 34.0% |
| Doctorate | 3.0% |
Understanding how an Entry 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 April 01, 2026For an Entry Software Engineer, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Intermediate Software Engineer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $105,100 - a projected growth of 29% over your current level.
Salaries for an Entry Software Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $84,785 in 2023 to around $84,199 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Software Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $84,785 |
| 2024 | $84,887 |
| 2025 | $84,199 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The basic salary for an Entry Software Engineer in the USA ranges from $75,900 to $92,000, with a median salary of approximately $83,100. While overall software developers had a median salary of $132,270 in 2023, entry-level positions typically start within this range.
Earning $40,000 a year is below the typical entry-level salary for a Software Engineer, which ranges from $75,900 to $92,000. While it may suffice for someone with low expenses, it falls short of the industry standard. For a more competitive entry-level position, aiming for a salary closer to the mid-range of $83,100 would be advisable.
Yes, but not all software engineers will reach that level of compensation. Entry-level software engineers typically earn between $75,900 and $92,000, with a mid-salary of $83,100. To achieve a high salary like $500,000, one would likely need to advance to senior roles, work at top tech firms, or join high-growth startups with significant equity opportunities.
An entry-level software engineer with 1 year of experience should expect a salary ranging from $75,900 to $92,000 annually, with a mid-salary of approximately $83,100. This reflects the typical compensation for this role, varying based on location and company.
Yes, software developers can often work remotely, as most tasks can be performed online. This flexibility allows for a wide range of job opportunities in the industry. For entry-level software engineers, salaries typically range from $75,900 to $92,000, with a midpoint around $83,100, making remote positions an attractive option for many.
The salary for Entry Software Engineers in the US ranges from $75,900 to $92,000, with a mid-point salary of $83,100. This reflects the typical earnings for software engineer trainees, providing a solid foundation for those starting their careers in the tech industry.
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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