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Software Engineer: Salary, Requirements & How to Become One
A data-driven guide to the Software Engineer career path — what the role involves, how to get hired, and how much demand there is right now.
$135,980
median annual salary
$65.38
median hourly pay
1,687,890
employed nationally
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How much does a Software Engineer make?
The median Software Engineer salary is $135,980 per year (about $65.38/hour). Pay scales with experience, location, and employer — here is the full national distribution:
| Percentile | Annual salary | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry) | $82,460 | Bottom 10% — new entrants, lower-cost areas |
| Median (50th) | $135,980 | Typical Software Engineer pay |
| 90th (top) | $214,670 | Top 10% — senior, high-cost metros |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025, occupation "Software Developers" (SOC 15-1252). Official U.S. government wage data.
How to become a Software Engineer
- Build the core skills — through schooling, certification, or self-study relevant to Software Engineer work.
- Gain hands-on experience via entry-level roles, internships, or apprenticeships.
- Prepare a targeted resume highlighting measurable results.
- Apply through major job boards and company career pages; filter for "Software Engineer jobs near me".
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Software Engineer careers — frequently asked questions
- How much does a Software Engineer make?
- The median Software Engineer salary is $135,980 per year (about $65.38/hour), per BLS OEWS, May 2025. The middle range runs from $82,460 (10th percentile) to $214,670 (90th percentile), varying by experience, location, and employer.
- How do I become a Software Engineer?
- Most paths combine relevant education or certification with hands-on experience. Entry-level openings and apprenticeships are a common way in.
- Is Software Engineer a good career in 2026?
- Software Developers employ roughly 1,687,890 people nationally (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and search demand runs near 50,000 queries per month — both signal steady hiring.