As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Scientist in the United States is $172,307 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $83.
However, a Software Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Scientist'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 Scientist'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 Scientist | $128,975 |
| Software ... Level Software Scientist | $149,220 |
| Software ... Level Software Scientist | $171,537 |
| Software ... Level Software Scientist | $169,907 |
| Software ... Level Software Scientist | $214,626 |
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 Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.92% |
| Open Source | 3.61% |
| AWS | 2.75% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Relationship Management
|
$208,491 |
21%
|
|
Accountability
|
$182,645 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$182,645 |
6%
|
|
Networking
|
$179,199 |
4%
|
|
Scrum
|
$179,199 |
4%
|
|
Initiative
|
$177,476 |
3%
|
For Software Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 81% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Software Scientist positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $241,230 | $116.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $223,999 | $108.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $215,384 | $104.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $206,768 | $99.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $198,153 | $95.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Scientists 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 Scientist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $168,870 and $177,702).
Software Scientist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 2.5% |
| Associates | 2.0% |
| Bachelors | 43.2% |
| Masters | 43.9% |
| Doctorate | 7.8% |
Understanding how a Software Scientist'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 Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $165,325 in 2023 to around $163,078 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $165,325 |
| 2024 | $164,317 |
| 2025 | $163,078 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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