As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Engineer Internship in the United States is $80,497 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Software Engineer Internship's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Engineer Internship'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 a Software Engineer Internship'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Software Engineer Internship | $80,048 |
| Software ... Level Software Engineer Internship | $103,015 |
| Software ... Level Software Engineer Internship | $126,157 |
| Software ... Level Software Engineer Internship | $145,959 |
| Software ... Level Software Engineer Internship | $167,788 |
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 Software Engineer Internships. 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
|
$97,402 |
21%
|
|
Code Review
|
$89,352 |
11%
|
|
Kubernetes
|
$89,352 |
11%
|
|
Project Management
|
$89,352 |
11%
|
|
API
|
$89,352 |
11%
|
|
AWS
|
$89,352 |
11%
|
For Software Engineer Internship roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Software Engineer Internship positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Engineer Internship as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $100,622 | $48.0 | 25% |
| Insurance | $96,597 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $92,572 | $45.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $92,572 | $45.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $88,547 | $43.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Engineer Internships 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 a Software Engineer Internship with a Bachelor's Degree is between $78,103 and $82,080).
Software Engineer Internship 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 a Software Engineer Internship'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Software Engineer Internship can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $83,115 in 2023 to around $82,540 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Engineer Internship salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $83,115 |
| 2024 | $83,215 |
| 2025 | $82,540 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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