How much does a Software Engineering Associate make in the United States?
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The average Software Engineering Associate salary in the United States is $162,965 as of March 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Software Engineering Associate positions (listed below) typically falls between $146,973 and $178,957. 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 Engineering Associate's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Associate Software Engineering | $169,402 | $81.44 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Software Engineering | $78,699 | $37.84 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Software Engineering Director | $228,113 | $109.67 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Software Engineering Manager | $168,513 | $81.02 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| VP of Software Engineering | $265,015 | $127.41 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Embedded Software Engineering Director | $234,564 | $112.77 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Embedded Software Engineering Manager | $179,051 | $86.08 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Embedded Software Engineering Supervisor | $152,425 | $73.28 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| Director of Software Engineering | $228,200 | $109.71 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
| computer software engineering | $146,941 | $70.64 | United States | March 01, 2026 |
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Software Engineering Director directs the software engineering function in the development, release, and maintenance of software applications to meet business objectives. Provides technical leadership, defines engineering vision, and implements best practices to maximize efficiency, reliability, and product quality. Being a Software Engineering Director establishes policies and procedures to deliver high-quality software products and services that drive growth and competitive advantage. Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Additionally, Software Engineering Director typically reports to senior management. The Software Engineering Director manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. To be a Software Engineering Director typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function. View Software Engineering Director SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Director of Software Engineering, Software Development DirectorCategories : IT - Computers, Software , Executive and Management , IT - All , IT - Executive, Consulting
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Software Engineering Manager manages the design and development of software applications. Monitors the evaluations of user requirements and the development of build plans. Being a Software Engineering Manager directs the work of engineers, including coding, debugging, testing, code review, and troubleshooting, to ensure best practices in software development. Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Additionally, Software Engineering Manager typically reports to a director. The Software Engineering Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be a Software Engineering Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes. View Software Engineering Manager SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Software Development Manager
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VP of Software Engineering leads the organization's software engineering strategy and drives the development, release, and continuous innovation of software applications to meet business objectives. Provides visionary technical leadership, shapes the engineering roadmap, and promotes cutting-edge practices. Being a VP of Software Engineering oversees engineering policies, standards, and governance to ensure delivery of scalable, high-quality products and services that fuel growth, enhance competitive advantage, and enable long-term organizational success. Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Additionally, VP of Software Engineering typically reports to top management. The VP of Software Engineering manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. To be a VP of Software Engineering typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function. View VP of Software Engineering SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Executive Director of Software Engineering/Application Development, VP of Software DevelopmentCategories : IT - Computers, Software , Executive and Management , IT - All , IT - Executive, Consulting
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Embedded Software Engineering Director directs development projects that design, develop, test, debug, and implement embedded software and systems. Develops resource allocation plans for development projects that support productivity objectives. Being an Embedded Software Engineering Director facilitates cross functional collaboration. Integrates best practices, including firmware design-review methodologies, for the development of software and firmware source code in C/C++, Embedded C, and other languages. Additionally, Embedded Software Engineering Director extensive experience with firmware and software development toolsets utilized in project tracking, workflow management, build and test automation, continuous integration, quality assurance, and software lifecycle management. Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or related field. Typically reports to senior management. The Embedded Software Engineering Director manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. To be an Embedded Software Engineering Director typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function. View Embedded Software Engineering Director SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Firmware Engineering DirectorCategories : IT - Executive, Consulting , Engineering , Executive and Management , IT - All , IT - Computers, Software
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Embedded Software Engineering Manager leads the design, development, testing, debugging, and implementation of embedded software and systems. Guides the development of software and firmware source code in C/C++, Embedded C, and other languages and common communication interfaces like SPI, I2C, USB, UART, and others. Being an Embedded Software Engineering Manager utilizes version control, simulation, debugging, and other development tools. Collaborates cross functionally with hardware engineers. Additionally, Embedded Software Engineering Manager coordinates engineering support for testing, deployment, and updates. Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or related field. Typically reports to a director. The Embedded Software Engineering Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be an Embedded Software Engineering Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes. View Embedded Software Engineering Manager SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Firmware Engineering Manager
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Embedded Software Engineering Supervisor supervises the design, development, testing, debugging, and implementation of embedded software and systems. Guides the development of software and firmware source code in C/C++, Embedded C, and other languages and common communication interfaces like SPI, I2C, USB, UART, and others. Being an Embedded Software Engineering Supervisor utilizes version control, simulation, debugging, and other development tools. Collaborates cross functionally with hardware engineers. Additionally, Embedded Software Engineering Supervisor coordinates engineering support for testing, deployment, and updates. Requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or related field. Typically reports to a manager. The Embedded Software Engineering Supervisor supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. To be an Embedded Software Engineering Supervisor typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes. View Embedded Software Engineering Supervisor SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Firmware Engineering Supervisor
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The Director of Software Engineering establishes policies and procedures that produce high-quality software product and service. Directs and oversees the software engineering function in developing, releasing, and maintaining software applications/operating systems according to business needs. Being a Director of Software Engineering typically reports to top management. Requires a bachelor's degree. The Director of Software Engineering manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function. Working as a Director of Software Engineering typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. View Director of Software Engineering SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Software Engineering Director, Software Development DirectorCategories : IT - Computers, Software , Executive and Management , IT - All , IT - Executive, Consulting
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Computer software engineering is a dynamic field that involves the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software applications and systems. Professionals in this role typically possess strong programming skills, a solid understanding of algorithms, and knowledge of software development methodologies. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, create technical specifications, and implement solutions that meet user needs. Salaries for computer software engineers can vary widely based on factors such as experience, education, location, and the specific industry. Entry-level positions may start at a competitive rate, while experienced engineers, especially those with specialized skills or in high-demand areas, can command significantly higher salaries. Additionally, benefits such as bonuses, stock options, and flexible work arrangements often enhance overall compensation packages. The demand for skilled software engineers continues to grow, reflecting the increasing reliance on technology across various sectors. View computer software engineering Salary