Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of senior software engineers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of senior software engineers:
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Software Engineering Manager is the highest-paid type of senior software engineer with an average salary of $140,929 and an average hourly rate of $67.75.
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The second highest-paying type of senior software engineer is staff software engineer, with an average salary of $136,653.
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The average senior software engineer salary is $114,494 per year, and the average hourly pay is $55.05.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a senior software engineer, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of senior software engineers are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of senior software engineers:
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Software Engineering Manager
Average Salary: $140,929
A software engineering manager oversees the team involved in computer and software development. Typically, it is their responsibility to design and create software applications in collaboration with fellow skilled engineers in the group. Their duties revolve around devising strategies and designs, producing progress reports, monitoring the documentation processes, preparing presentations, and assessing workforce performance. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the engineering team to meet goals and standards while implementing the company’s policies and regulations.
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Staff Software Engineer
Average Salary: $136,653
A Staff Software Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and repairing company software for maximum efficiency and usability. They instruct and mentor their team members in software development techniques and cloud development.
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Principal Software Engineer
Average Salary: $134,230
A Principal Software Engineer is responsible for the technical aspects of an organization’s projects. They diagnose, document, and troubleshoot systems to resolve problems identified through testing, as well as implement strategies to improve integration and efficiency.
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Software Engineer Lead
Average Salary: $125,565
A Software Engineer Lead is focused on developing and testing software programs. They manage a team of software engineers that design enterprise software products and operating systems.
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Senior Systems Software Engineer
Average Salary: $122,275
A senior systems software engineer is a professional responsible for managing a firm’s computer network systems. The professional’s roles include resolving complex application and network issues through the development of new solutions, overseeing systems developers and other information technology (IT) personnel, and integrating new technology. The job requires proficiency in the MySQL, Python, and Linux programming languages and excellent skills in organizational and time management and communication. The education requirements for the job include a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various senior software engineer that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Senior Software Engineers
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for senior software engineers.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Senior Software Engineer Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid senior software engineer job?
The highest-paid senior software engineer job is a software engineering manager. Software Engineering Managers earn an average salary of $140,929, which is $ 67.75 hourly.
A software engineering manager oversees the team involved in computer and software development. Typically, it is their responsibility to design and create software applications in collaboration with fellow skilled engineers in the group. Their duties revolve around devising strategies and designs, producing progress reports, monitoring the documentation processes, preparing presentations, and assessing workforce performance. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the engineering team to meet goals and standards while implementing the company’s policies and regulations.
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What is a good salary for a senior software engineer?
A good salary for a senior software engineer is $114,494 or more. The average senior software engineer salary is $114,494, so those making at least $114,494 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average senior software engineer salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a senior software engineer, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $114,494 average, as this includes all senior software engineers of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Senior Software Engineer jobs pay well?
Yes, senior software engineer jobs pay well. As in any industry, some senior software engineer jobs pay better than others, but the average senior software engineer salary of $114,494 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many senior software engineer jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of senior software engineers earning $0 a year on average.
Senior Software Engineers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a senior software engineer. Do your research on the going rate for a senior software engineer in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do senior software engineers get paid the most?
Senior Software Engineers get paid the most in Washington. In Washington, senior software engineers earn an average annual salary of $129,229 and an average hourly wage of $62.13.
Following WA, the states with the highest-paid senior software engineers are California, Oregon, and New York, with average annual salaries of $130,711, $111,336, and $113,338 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid senior software engineer salaries are:
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San Francisco, CA – $139,625
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Seattle, WA – $130,235
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New York, NY – $113,574
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
