As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Engineer Trainee in the United States is $125,405 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.
However, a Software Engineer Trainee's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Engineer Trainee'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 Trainee'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Software Engineer Trainee | $119,857 |
| Intermediate Level Software Engineer Trainee | $120,574 |
| Senior Level Software Engineer Trainee | $121,291 |
| Specialist Level Software Engineer Trainee | $123,872 |
| Expert Level Software Engineer Trainee | $127,730 |
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 Trainees. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.72% |
| Scrum | 2.77% |
| Virtualization | 2.13% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Authenticity
|
$146,724 |
17%
|
|
iOS
|
$134,183 |
7%
|
|
Consulting
|
$132,929 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$131,675 |
5%
|
|
Integrity
|
$130,421 |
4%
|
|
Virtualization
|
$130,421 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Engineer Trainees 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 Trainee with a Bachelor's Degree is between $123,201 and $129,316).
Software Engineer Trainee Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.3% |
| High School | 3.3% |
| Associates | 5.3% |
| Bachelors | 50.0% |
| Masters | 40.1% |
| Doctorate | 1.3% |
Understanding how a Software Engineer Trainee'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Software Engineer Trainee can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $120,599 in 2023 to around $120,140 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Engineer Trainee salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $120,599 |
| 2024 | $121,101 |
| 2025 | $120,140 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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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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