Alright, let’s cut through the bullshit. If you’re getting into software engineering, you’re probably doing it for two reasons: you love coding, or you love money. And if it’s the second one—well, my friend, you’ve made a solid fucking choice.
Software engineers in the US are some of the highest-paid professionals in the game. But just how much can you really make? And what factors decide whether you’re cashing in six figures or scraping by at an entry-level gig? Let’s break it down.
The Cold Hard Numbers
First, let’s get some numbers on the table. According to Built In, the average base salary for a software engineer in the US is $137,324 per year, with an additional $18,868 in bonuses, bringing the total to about $156,192 annually. Not too shabby.
Glassdoor reports a slightly lower number, with a base salary of $118,251 and total comp around $162,499 per year. Meanwhile, Indeed goes even lower, listing an average salary of $105,660, with bonuses averaging $5,000 annually.
The takeaway? Salaries vary depending on who you ask, but the real story is in how much experience you have and where you work.
Experience = Bigger Paychecks
Your experience level is one of the biggest deciding factors in how much you make. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): ~$85,000 per year (Wellfound)
- Mid-Level (3-5 years): ~$130,000 per year (Wellfound)
- Senior-Level (5+ years): ~$160,000+ per year (Wellfound)
And if you’re at a FAANG company (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google), expect those numbers to skyrocket. Senior engineers at top-tier companies can easily pull in $300K+ in total comp, especially if they’re in AI or machine learning (Business Insider).
Location, Location, Location
Where you work matters. Salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York are way higher than in smaller cities. Here’s how some major cities stack up:
- San Francisco, CA: $149,011
- New York, NY: $145,603
- San Jose, CA: $139,397
- Seattle, WA: $136,558
- Los Angeles, CA: $125,580
(Indeed)
On the flip side, STEM workers in the Southeast earn significantly less. The lowest-paying state? Mississippi, with an average of $85,382 per year (Lifewire).
Specialization = Bigger Bags of Cash
Not all software engineers make the same amount. Specializing in high-demand fields can massively boost your paycheck:
- AI Engineer: Some AI engineers are pulling in $300,600 starting (Business Insider).
- Full-Stack Developer: ~$137,000 (CareerFoundry).
- Backend Developer: ~$140,000 (CareerFoundry).
If you’re looking to maximize your earnings, AI and cloud computing are where the money’s at.
The Current Job Market
Let’s not sugarcoat it—the job market isn’t what it used to be. After the tech hiring boom of 2020-2021, layoffs have hit hard, and competition for jobs is fierce. Companies aren’t handing out six-figure salaries like candy anymore, and junior developers are struggling to break in (WSJ).
That being said, highly skilled engineers, especially in AI and cloud, are still in high demand. If you have a niche skill set and some experience under your belt, you’re still in a great position.
Final Thoughts
Software engineering is still one of the best-paying careers in the US, but the landscape is changing. If you want to make big money, focus on:
- Gaining experience (mid-level and senior engineers earn way more)
- Picking the right location (NYC, SF, and Seattle pay top dollar)
- Specializing in AI, cloud, or backend development
If you’re just starting out, buckle up—it’s not as easy to land high-paying jobs as it was a few years ago. But if you stick with it, keep leveling up, and play your cards right, you’ll be making six figures (or more) before you know it.
And if all else fails? Fuck it, move to Silicon Valley and hope for the best. 💰
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