How Much Do Software Engineers Make Around the World? A Comprehensive Guide
Software engineering is one of the most in-demand and lucrative professions in the world. Software engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software applications and systems that run on various devices and platforms. Software engineers can work in various industries, such as technology, finance, healthcare, education, entertainment, and more.
But how much do software engineers make around the world? What are the factors that affect their salaries? Which countries pay software engineers the most and the least? How can software engineers increase their earning potential and career prospects?
Average Software Engineering Salary by Country
The first thing we want to know is how much software engineers make on average in different countries. To find out, we used the data from Payscale, CodeSubmit, Zippia, ZipRecruiter, and CareerExplorer, which are reputable websites that provide salary information based on surveys, reports, and analysis. We converted the salaries to US dollars for easier comparison.
The table below shows the average annual salary of software engineers in 20 countries, ranked from highest to lowest. Note that these are only estimates and may vary depending on the source, the sample size, the methodology, and the currency exchange rate.
| Country | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | $110,140 |
| Switzerland | $97,518 |
| Israel | $71,559 |
| Denmark | $63,680 |
| Canada | $61,680 |
| Norway | $57,013 |
| Australia | $55,640 |
| United Kingdom | $55,275 |
| Germany | $52,275 |
| Sweden | $50,437 |
| Ireland | $48,427 |
| Finland | $47,850 |
| The Netherlands | $45,180 |
| France | $43,849 |
| New Zealand | $42,399 |
| Singapore | $41,864 |
| Argentina | $39,898 |
| Japan | $36,024 |
| China | $23,790 |
| Russia | $23,737 |
| Poland | $22,740 |
| Ukraine | $22,348 |
| South Africa | $19,151 |
| Brazil | $11,337 |
| Philippines | $7,936 |
| India | $7,725 |
| Nigeria | $7,255 |
As you can see, the United States is the highest-paying country for software engineers, with an average salary of $110,140 per year. Switzerland, Israel, and several European countries follow closely behind. Developing countries like Nigeria, India, and the Philippines pay the lowest salaries for software engineers, with less than $10,000 per year.
Why Does the United States Pay Software Engineers the Most?
The United States is the global leader in technology and innovation, with some of the most successful and influential tech companies in the world, such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, and more. These companies compete for the best talent and offer high salaries, generous benefits, and attractive perks to attract and retain software engineers. According to [Glassdoor], the average base salary of software engineers at Google is $133,000, at Microsoft is $125,000, at Amazon is $114,000, at Facebook is $150,000, and at Apple is $133,000.
The United States also has a large and diverse market for software engineering, with many opportunities in various industries, sectors, and regions. Software engineers can work in Silicon Valley, New York, Seattle, Austin, Boston, and other tech hubs, or in remote and flexible positions. Software engineers can also specialize in different domains, such as web development, mobile development, data science, machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more.
The United States also has a high standard of living and a strong economy, which contribute to the high salaries of software engineers. However, the United States also has a high cost of living, especially in major cities, and a complex tax system, which can reduce the net income of software engineers. Therefore, software engineers should consider the cost of living and the tax rate when comparing salaries across different locations.
Why Do Developing Countries Pay Software Engineers the Least?
Developing countries like Nigeria, India, and the Philippines pay software engineers the least, with less than $10,000 per year. This is mainly due to the low level of economic development, the lack of infrastructure, the scarcity of resources, and the high unemployment rate in these countries. These factors limit the growth and innovation of the tech industry and the demand for software engineering skills.
Developing countries also have a large supply of software engineers, which drives down wages. Many software engineers in these countries are self-taught, have low-quality education, or lack relevant experience and certifications. These software engineers often compete for low-paying jobs, freelance projects, or outsourcing contracts from foreign companies. According to [Statista], India has the largest number of software developers in the world, with 5.2 million in 2024, followed by China with 4.9 million, and the United States with 4.4 million.
Developing countries also have a low standard of living and a weak currency, which affects the purchasing power and the quality of life of software engineers. However, developing countries also have a low cost of living, which can partially offset the low salaries. Therefore, software engineers should consider the cost of living and the exchange rate when comparing salaries across different countries.
Factors That Influence Software Engineering Salary
The average salary of software engineers in different countries is not the only thing that matters. There are many other factors that can affect how much software engineers make, such as their experience, education, skills, location, industry, and company size. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors and how they impact software engineering salaries.
Experience
Experience is one of the most important factors that influence software engineering salary. Generally, the more experience a software engineer has, the higher their salary will be. This is because experienced software engineers have more knowledge, skills, and expertise, and can handle more complex and challenging projects. Experienced software engineers also have more credibility, reputation, and network, and can negotiate better terms and conditions.
According to Payscale, the average salary of software engineers in the United States increases by 19% for entry-level, 1% for early-career, 63% for mid-career, and 60% for late-career. The table below shows the average salary of software engineers in the United States by experience level.
| Experience Level | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (Less than 1 year) | $73,000 |
| Early-Career (1-4 years) | $86,000 |
| Mid-career (5-9 years) | $106,000 |
| Late-Career (10-19 years) | $117,000 |
| Experienced (20 years or more) | $123,000 |
Education
Education is another factor that influences software engineering salary. Generally, the higher the level of education a software engineer has, the higher their salary will be. This is because higher education indicates more knowledge, skills, and qualifications, and can open more doors and opportunities. Higher education can also help software engineers specialize in a specific domain, such as data science, machine learning, cybersecurity, etc.
According to Payscale, the average salary of software engineers in the United States increases by 3% for associate degrees, 2% for bachelor’s degrees, 8% for master’s degrees, and 11% for doctoral degrees. The table below shows the average salary of software engineers in the United States by education level.
| Education Level | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or GED | $83,000 |
| Associate Degree | $86,000 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $88,000 |
| Master’s Degree | $95,000 |
| Doctoral Degree | $103,000 |
Skills
Skills are another factor that influences software engineering salary. Generally, the more skills a software engineer has, the higher their salary will be. This is because skills demonstrate the ability, proficiency, and competence of a software engineer, and can increase their value and demand. Skills can also help software engineers differentiate themselves from the competition and stand out from the crowd.
According to Payscale, the most in-demand skills for software engineers in the United States are Java, C#, Python, JavaScript, SQL, C++, .NET, HTML, Linux, and AWS. The table below shows the average salary of software engineers in the United States by skill.
| Skill | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Java | $94,000 |
| C# | $93,000 |
| Python | $92,000 |
| JavaScript | $91,000 |
| SQL | $90,000 |
| C++ | $90 |
Location
Location is another factor that influences software engineering salary. Generally, the more developed, urbanized, and competitive a location is, the higher the salary will be. This is because these locations have more opportunities, demand, and resources for software engineering, and also have a higher cost of living and a higher standard of living.
According to [Zippia], the average salary of software engineers in the United States varies by state, from $67,000 in Mississippi to $126,000 in California. The table below shows the average salary of software engineers in the United States by state, ranked from highest to lowest.
| State | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| California | $126,000 |
| Washington | $123,000 |
| New York | $116,000 |
| Massachusetts | $113,000 |
| District of Columbia | $112,000 |
| Maryland | $111,000 |
| New Hampshire | $110,000 |
| Virginia | $109,000 |
| Colorado | $107,000 |
| New Jersey | $106,000 |
| Connecticut | $105,000 |
| Vermont | $104,000 |
| Delaware | $103,000 |
| Alaska | $102,000 |
| Rhode Island | $101,000 |
| Oregon | $100,000 |
| Minnesota | $99,000 |
| Nevada | $98,000 |
| Hawaii | $97,000 |
| Texas | $96,000 |
| Arizona | $95,000 |
| Illinois | $94,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $93,000 |
| Utah | $92,000 |
| North Carolina | $91,000 |
| Georgia | $90,000 |
| Idaho | $89,000 |
| Michigan | $88,000 |
| Wisconsin | $87,000 |
| Nebraska | $86,000 |
| Iowa | $85,000 |
| Florida | $84,000 |
| Kansas | $83,000 |
| Ohio | $82,000 |
| Missouri | $81,000 |
| South Carolina | $80,000 |
| Tennessee | $79,000 |
| Oklahoma | $78,000 |
| Indiana | $77,000 |
| Alabama | $76,000 |
| Louisiana | $75,000 |
| Kentucky | $74,000 |
| Montana | $73,000 |
| Maine | $72,000 |
| Wyoming | $71,000 |
| Arkansas | $70,000 |
| New Mexico | $69,000 |
| South Dakota | $68,000 |
| Mississippi | $67,000 |
As you can see, California is the highest-paying state for software engineers, with an average salary of $126,000 per year. This is not surprising, considering that California is home to Silicon Valley, the epicenter of the tech industry, where some of the most prominent and profitable tech companies are located. Washington, New York, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia follow closely behind, with average salaries above $110,000 per year. These states also have thriving tech hubs, such as Seattle, New York City, Boston, and Washington D.C., where software engineers can find many opportunities and challenges.
Mississippi is the lowest-paying state for software engineers, with an average salary of $67,000 per year. This is mainly due to the low level of economic development, the lack of infrastructure, the scarcity of resources, and the high unemployment rate in this state. These factors limit the growth and innovation of the tech industry and the demand for software engineering skills. South Dakota, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Wyoming are also among the lowest-paying states, with average salaries below $70,000 per year.
Industry
Industry is another factor that influences software engineering salary. Generally, the more profitable, competitive, and innovative an industry is, the higher the salary will be. This is because these industries have more revenue, demand, and resources for software engineering, and also have more challenges and opportunities for software engineers.
According to [Zippia], the average salary of software engineers in the United States varies by industry, from $79,000 in education to $121,000 in internet and technology. The table below shows the average salary of software engineers in the United States by industry, ranked from highest to lowest.
| Industry | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Internet and Technology | $121,000 |
| Telecommunications | $117,000 |
| Finance and Insurance | $115,000 |
| Manufacturing | $113,000 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $111,000 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $110,000 |
| Retail Trade | $108,000 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $106,000 |
| Utilities | $104,000 |
| Wholesale Trade | $102,000 |
| Information | $100,000 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $98,000 |
| Construction | $96,000 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $94,000 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $92,000 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $90,000 |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $88,000 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | $86,000 |
| Accommodation and Food Services | $84,000 |
| Public Administration | $82,000 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $80,000 |
| Educational Services | $79,000 |
As you can see, the Internet and technology industry is the highest-paying industry for software engineers, with an average salary of $121,000 per year. This is not surprising, considering that this industry is the core of the software engineering profession and that software engineers are essential for creating, maintaining, and improving the products and services of this industry. Telecommunications, finance and insurance, and manufacturing are also among the highest-paying industries, with average salaries above $110,000 per year. These industries rely heavily on software engineering for their operations, communication, security, and innovation.
Educational services is the lowest-paying industry for software engineers, with an average salary of $79,000 per year. This is mainly due to the low level of funding, demand, and resources for software engineering in this industry. Software engineers in this industry often work for schools, colleges, universities, or educational organizations, where they develop, maintain, and support software applications and systems for teaching, learning, and administration. Other services, public administration, and accommodation and food services are also among the lowest-paying industries, with average salaries below $85,000 per year.
Company Size
Company size is another factor that influences software engineering salary. Generally, the larger the company, the higher the salary will be. This is because larger companies have more revenue, resources, and opportunities for software engineering, and also have more complex and diverse projects and challenges for software engineers.
According to [ZipRecruiter], the average salary of software engineers in the United States varies by company size, from $91,000 for companies with less than 10 employees to $120,000 for companies with more than 500 employees. The table below shows the average salary of software engineers in the United States by company size, ranked from highest to lowest.
| Company Size | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| More than 500 employees | $120,000 |
| 201 to 500 employees | $115,000 |
| 51 to 200 employees | $110,000 |
| 11 to 50 employees | $100,000 |
| Less than 10 employees | $91,000 |
As you can see, companies with more than 500 employees pay software engineers the most, with an average salary of $120,000 per year. These companies are usually well-established, profitable, and influential in their industries, and can afford to pay software engineers high salaries, benefits, and perks. These companies also have large and diverse teams, projects, and clients, which can provide software engineers with more opportunities and challenges.
Companies with less than 10 employees pay software engineers the least, with an average salary of $91,000 per year. These companies are usually startups, small businesses, or agencies, and have limited revenue, resources, and opportunities for software engineering. These companies also have small and simple teams, projects, and clients, which can limit the growth and development of software engineers.
Addressing Common Questions About Software Engineer Salaries
FAQs About Software Engineer Salaries
- What is the average salary of a software engineer in the United States?
- The average salary of a software engineer in the United States varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and specialization. However, recent data suggests that the median annual salary for software engineers in the US falls within the range of $90,000 to $110,000.
- How does the average salary of a software engineer compare to other professions?
- Software engineering ranks among the most lucrative professions globally, with average salaries often surpassing those of many other fields. The demand for skilled software engineers, coupled with the rapid pace of technological innovation, continues to drive competitive compensation packages in the industry.
- What are some strategies for increasing one’s salary as a software engineer?
- To maximize earning potential as a software engineer, professionals can consider pursuing advanced certifications, gaining specialized skills, seeking opportunities for career advancement, and staying abreast of emerging technologies. Additionally, negotiating salary during the hiring process and periodically assessing market trends can help software engineers secure favorable compensation packages.
- Are there any disparities in software engineer salaries based on gender or ethnicity?
- Unfortunately, gender and ethnic disparities persist within the tech industry, including discrepancies in salary levels. Studies have shown that women and minorities in software engineering often face lower compensation compared to their male and non-minority counterparts. Addressing these inequities requires concerted efforts from both employers and policymakers to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the tech workforce.
- What role does remote work play in software engineer salaries?
- The rise of remote work has reshaped the landscape of software engineering, offering professionals greater flexibility and access to opportunities beyond traditional tech hubs. Remote positions may offer competitive salaries commensurate with in-office roles, although compensation packages may vary based on factors such as location, company policies, and industry norms.
In conclusion, Software engineering is a rewarding and challenging profession that can offer high salaries, benefits, and opportunities. However, software engineering salaries vary widely depending on the country, the location, the industry, the company, the experience, the education, and the skills of the software engineer.