How much does a Software Developer Engineer make in the United States?
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The average Software Developer Engineer salary in the United States is $106,389 as of March 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Software Developer Engineer positions (listed below) typically falls between $97,091 and $115,688. 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 Developer Engineer's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| software engineer developer | $129,174 | $62.10 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Software Engineer I | $86,586 | $41.63 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Software Engineer II | $108,542 | $52.18 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Software Engineer III | $135,764 | $65.27 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Software Engineer IV | $159,152 | $76.52 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Software Engineer V | $188,478 | $90.61 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Software Engineer | $139,060 | $66.86 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Software Developer | $129,300 | $62.16 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Software Systems Developer IV | $151,421 | $72.80 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Software Systems Developer V | $171,918 | $82.65 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
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A software engineer developer is responsible for designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software applications. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, troubleshoot issues, and implement solutions that enhance user experience. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ is essential, along with familiarity with software development methodologies like Agile or Scrum. The salary for a software engineer developer varies based on factors such as experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions typically offer competitive starting salaries, while experienced developers can command significantly higher compensation, especially in tech hubs. Additional benefits may include bonuses, stock options, and opportunities for professional development. Overall, the role offers a dynamic work environment with potential for career advancement in a rapidly evolving field. View software engineer developer Salary
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Software Engineer I designs and develops software applications. Gathers and evaluates end-user requirements. Being a Software Engineer I develops build plans. Performs coding, debugging, testing, code review, and troubleshooting throughout the software development lifecycle. Additionally, Software Engineer I requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Typically reports to a manager. The Software Engineer I work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. To be a Software Engineer I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View Software Engineer I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Entry Software Engineer, Software Developer I
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Software Engineer II designs and develops software applications. Gathers and evaluates end-user requirements. Being a Software Engineer II develops build plans. Performs coding, debugging, testing, code review, and troubleshooting throughout the software development lifecycle. Additionally, Software Engineer II requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Typically reports to a manager. The Software Engineer II occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be a Software Engineer II typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. View Software Engineer II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Intermediate Software Engineer, Software Developer II
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Software Engineer III designs and develops software applications. Gathers and evaluates end-user requirements. Being a Software Engineer III develops build plans. Performs coding, debugging, testing, code review, and troubleshooting throughout the software development lifecycle. Additionally, Software Engineer III requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Typically reports to a manager. The Software Engineer III work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. To be a Software Engineer III typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. View Software Engineer III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Senior Software Engineer, Software Developer III
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Software Engineer IV designs and develops software applications. Gathers and evaluates end-user requirements. Being a Software Engineer IV develops build plans. Performs coding, debugging, testing, code review, and troubleshooting throughout the software development lifecycle. Additionally, Software Engineer IV requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Typically reports to a manager. The Software Engineer IV work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. To be a Software Engineer IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience. View Software Engineer IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Software Developer IV, Software Engineer - Project Lead
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Software Engineer V designs and develops software applications. Gathers and evaluates end-user requirements. Being a Software Engineer V develops build plans. Performs coding, debugging, testing, code review, and troubleshooting throughout the software development lifecycle. Additionally, Software Engineer V requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Typically reports to a manager. The Software Engineer V 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. To be a Software Engineer V typically requires 10+ years of related experience. View Software Engineer V SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Software Developer V, Software Engineer - Consultant
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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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Software Systems Developer IV designs, analyzes, maintains, and tests software systems. Identifies and analyzes users' needs and preferences. Being a Software Systems Developer IV is responsible for troubleshooting and resolving problems. Corrects programming errors, codes systems enhancements, and makes recommendations for improvements based on the findings. Additionally, Software Systems Developer IV stays current on emerging trends and software systems development best practices. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Software Systems Developer IV work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. To be a Software Systems Developer IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience. View Software Systems Developer IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Systems Applications Developer IV
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Software Systems Developer V designs, analyzes, maintains, and tests software systems. Identifies and analyzes users' needs and preferences. Being a Software Systems Developer V is responsible for troubleshooting and resolving problems. Corrects programming errors, codes systems enhancements, and makes recommendations for improvements based on the findings. Additionally, Software Systems Developer V stays current on emerging trends and software systems development best practices. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Software Systems Developer V 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. To be a Software Systems Developer V typically requires 10+ years of related experience. View Software Systems Developer V SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Systems Applications Developer V