How much does a Software Design Engineer (SDE) make in the United States?
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The average Software Design Engineer (SDE) salary in the United States is $91,798 as of January 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Software Design Engineer (SDE) positions (listed below) typically falls between $84,138 and $99,457. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Software Design Engineer (SDE)'s Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Software Design Engineer | $129,940 | $62.47 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Software Engineer | $139,060 | $66.86 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Software Design | $110,924 | $53.33 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Software Release Engineer Senior | $121,690 | $58.50 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Software Release Engineer Entry | $72,090 | $34.66 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Software Release Engineer Intermediate | $96,290 | $46.29 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Software Release Engineer Specialist | $144,890 | $69.66 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Software Release Engineer Expert | $172,590 | $82.98 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Electronics Design Engineer I | $87,000 | $41.83 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Electronics Design Engineer II | $102,000 | $49.04 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
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A software engineer, sometimes referred to as a software developer, applies engineering principles and methodologies to design and develop complicated software systems and applications. Software engineers focus on analyzing and translating user requirements into an application or control system design. Software engineers may design complex systems for use in aircraft, manufacturing, military, energy generation and healthcare devices. They typically do not perform the actual coding, although in some cases they may. Software engineers generally work in teams to design and develop a computer system. View Software Engineer Salary
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The Software Release Engineer Senior is responsible for the design and development of builds, scripts, installation procedures, and systems including source code control and issue tracking. Responsible for software builds and releases. Being a Software Release Engineer Senior requires a bachelor's degree in a related area. Works closely with a quality assurance team to ensure final version is up to organizational standards. In addition, Software Release Engineer Senior typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Being a Software Release Engineer Senior work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Working as a Software Release Engineer Senior typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience. View Software Release Engineer Senior SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Release Engineer III, Build and Release Engineer Senior, Deployment Engineer Senior
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The Software Release Engineer Entry is responsible for the design and development of builds, scripts, installation procedures, and systems including source code control and issue tracking. Responsible for software builds and releases. Being a Software Release Engineer Entry requires a bachelor's degree. Works closely with a quality assurance team to ensure final version is up to organizational standards. Being a Software Release Engineer Entry work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Working as a Software Release Engineer Entry typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View Software Release Engineer Entry SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Release Engineer I, Build and Release Engineer Entry, Deployment Engineer Entry
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The Software Release Engineer Intermediate is responsible for the design and development of builds, scripts, installation procedures, and systems including source code control and issue tracking. Responsible for software builds and releases. Being a Software Release Engineer Intermediate requires a bachelor's degree. Works closely with a quality assurance team to ensure final version is up to organizational standards. Being a Software Release Engineer Intermediate occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Working as a Software Release Engineer Intermediate typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience. View Software Release Engineer Intermediate SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Release Engineer II, Build and Release Engineer Intermediate, Deployment Engineer Intermediate
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The Software Release Engineer Specialist is responsible for the design and development of builds, scripts, installation procedures, and systems including source code control and issue tracking. Responsible for software builds and releases. Being a Software Release Engineer Specialist requires a bachelor's degree. Works closely with a quality assurance team to ensure final version is up to organizational standards. Being a Software Release Engineer Specialist work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Working as a Software Release Engineer Specialist typically requires 7+ years of related experience. View Software Release Engineer Specialist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Release Engineer IV, Build and Release Engineer Specialist, Deployment Engineer Specialist
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The Software Release Engineer Expert is responsible for the design and development of builds, scripts, installation procedures, and systems including source code control and issue tracking. Responsible for software builds and releases. Being a Software Release Engineer Expert may provide consultation on complex projects. Works closely with a quality assurance team to ensure final version is up to organizational standards. In addition, Software Release Engineer Expert requires a bachelor's degree. Being a Software Release Engineer Expert works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Working as a Software Release Engineer Expert typically requires 10+ years of related experience. View Software Release Engineer Expert SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Release Engineer V, Build and Release Engineer Expert, Deployment Engineer Expert
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The Electronics Design Engineer I may use computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to perform assignments. Designs, develops, and tests electronic systems, components, or circuits for use within equipment or machinery. Being an Electronics Design Engineer I requires a bachelor's degree. Applies principles and techniques of electrical engineering to accomplish goals. In addition, Electronics Design Engineer I typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Working as an Electronics Design Engineer I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. View Electronics Design Engineer I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Electronics Engineer I, Electronic Systems Engineer I, Entry Electronics Engineer
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The Electronics Design Engineer II may use computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to perform assignments. Designs, develops, and tests electronic systems, components, or circuits for use within equipment or machinery. Being an Electronics Design Engineer II requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. Applies principles and techniques of electrical engineering to accomplish goals. In addition, Electronics Design Engineer II typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Working as an Electronics Design Engineer II typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. View Electronics Design Engineer II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Electronics Engineer II, Electronic Systems Engineer II, Intermediate Electronics EngineerCategory : Engineering