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Job outlook for software engineering managers in the United States
Software engineering manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected software engineering manager job growth rate is 21% from 2018-2028.
About 284,100 new jobs for software engineering managers are projected over the next decade.
Software engineering manager salaries have increased 10% for software engineering managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 41,351 software engineering managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 262,296 active software engineering manager job openings in the US.
The average software engineering manager salary is $140,929.
Are software engineering manager jobs in demand?
Software engineering manager job and salary trends over time
Software engineering manager jobs over time
Software engineering manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 41,351 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 40,475 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 31,462 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 43,291 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 40,490 | 0.01% |
Average software engineering manager salary over time
Software engineering manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $140,929 | $67.75 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $136,286 | $65.52 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $133,200 | $64.04 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $130,848 | $62.91 | +1.7% |
| 2021 | $128,650 | $61.85 | +1.9% |
Software engineering manager jobs by state
Most common states for software engineering managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 706 | 102% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 4,604 | 62% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 585 | 55% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 3,495 | 51% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 479 | 50% |
| 6 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 1,460 | 47% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 3,457 | 41% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 544 | 41% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,312 | 38% |
| 10 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,559 | 38% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 399 | 38% |
| 12 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 2,091 | 37% |
| 13 | Vermont | 623,657 | 228 | 37% |
| 14 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 202 | 35% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,905 | 34% |
| 16 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 249 | 33% |
| 17 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 536 | 31% |
| 18 | California | 39,536,653 | 11,474 | 29% |
| 19 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 537 | 28% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 206 | 28% |
Most common cities for software engineering managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brooklyn Park | 23 | 29% | $104,546 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 10 | 25% | $116,872 |
| 3 | Hartford | 17 | 14% | $116,821 |
| 4 | Santa Clara | 12 | 10% | $169,798 |
| 5 | Atlanta | 40 | 8% | $105,207 |
| 6 | Tallahassee | 13 | 7% | $100,963 |
| 7 | Des Moines | 12 | 6% | $98,137 |
| 8 | Boston | 33 | 5% | $123,924 |
| 9 | Tampa | 14 | 4% | $99,470 |
| 10 | San Francisco | 16 | 2% | $170,480 |
| 11 | Denver | 14 | 2% | $98,479 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 14 | 2% | $99,316 |
| 13 | Sacramento | 12 | 2% | $167,489 |
| 14 | Washington | 12 | 2% | $119,275 |
| 15 | Seattle | 11 | 2% | $164,503 |
| 16 | Chicago | 22 | 1% | $108,243 |
| 17 | San Diego | 16 | 1% | $150,885 |
| 18 | Phoenix | 15 | 1% | $120,758 |
| 19 | Detroit | 10 | 1% | $111,837 |
Software Engineering Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of software engineering manager experts
California State University - Sacramento
Nova Southeastern University
Carnegie Mellon University
Seminole State College of Florida
Eastern Washington University
Northwestern University
Pennsylvania State University - Abington
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
University of Maryland - College Park
San Jose State University
Chapman University
Clemson University
University of Minnesota - Crookston
The University of Arizona
Indiana University Northwest
Virginia Military Institute
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Arizona State University
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
What Software Engineering Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sepehr Mohammadian: 1. This is a pretty broad question. CS degree graduates can engage in different tasks and responsibilities based on the nature of their profession. Examples include 1) software engineering, in which the individual's efforts are toward leading or contributing to software development projects, 2) IT management, where the individual mainly oversees technology strategies and their implementation, 3) cybersecurity, where the individual's responsibilities are associated with the protection of systems and data from cyber threats, and 4) data and AI engineering, where the individual works on machine learning applications and analyze and derive insights from large datasets.
What general advice would you give to a Software Engineering Manager?
Kin Chung Kwan: Computer science is rapidly growing, with new technologies emerging daily. The desired skill set can vary from year to year. We should always stay updated on the latest global developments and prepare to learn something new. Keeping your skills up-to-date and aligning them with the current needs of employers and target customers is crucial to maximizing salary potential.
What Software Engineering Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kin Chung Kwan: We are in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution. AI development will continue to be a global priority and dominate the tech landscape in the next few years. For computer scientists seeking career progression, gaining a comprehensive understanding of AI is crucial. Furthermore, understanding limitations, ethical considerations, safety and security measures associated with AI is an important responsibility that every computer scientist should be aware of.
What will help Software Engineering Managers increase their earning potential?
Kin Chung Kwan: Programming is the cornerstone of computer science. Solving problems effectively through proficient programming is a vital key to career success. Learning programming is like athletic training. One cannot become a skilled athlete solely through attending lectures. Programming skills can only be improved with consistent practice. Learning new techniques and repeated practice can help professionals refine their programming abilities and achieve career success.
Junping Sun Ph.D.
ProfessorNova Southeastern University
Computer Software And Media Applications
What Software Engineering Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Junping Sun Ph.D.: Computer Science and its applications in various fields are very dynamic and constantly evolving, and anyone in the fields needs to prepare to be adaptive by lifelong learning.
What will help Software Engineering Managers increase their earning potential?
Junping Sun Ph.D.: Computer science is an algorithm science for problem solving in real world applications. The skills of problem solving require critical thinking with solid foundation of the professional knowledge in the relevant domains. It is crucial to have strong critical thinking skill with sophisticated logical and philosophical perspectives.
What will help Software Engineering Managers increase their earning potential?
Jonathan Aldrich: Be open to new experiences and focus on learning from them. A degree in computing gives you a foundation but there will be new challenges in every job; always be thinking about what you can do to become more effective at your tasks.
What will help Software Engineering Managers increase their earning potential?
Holger Findling: Technologies are changing very fast, and you must change with it. Don't be rigid. AI is going to increase in the next five years, and the demand for programmers will be high. You would have to take courses studying AI concepts. Bio-Medical fields and Biometrics will be expanding in capabilities and these fields will need a lot of programmers. Take some additional courses, for example Biology and Chemistry.
Dan Tappan
Eastern Washington University
Computer Software And Media Applications
What general advice would you give to a Software Engineering Manager?
Dan Tappan: As much as possible, become a subject matter expert in the domain you're working in. The biggest problems we have are in not understanding the customer's problem and not understanding the customer's problem domain. Neither side is conversant in the other's world. We can't expect the customer to learn software development, so we have to learn about their world to bridge this gap.
What Software Engineering Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dan Tappan: This field changes so rapidly, it's hard to predict. Artificial intelligence has really taken off recently. There's no clear distinction between AI, machine learning, big data, and related areas anymore. They all blend together. These aren't just used as solutions to problems; they're also playing an ever-larger role in the tools we use to solve those problems. ChatGPT, for example, helps in writing documentation, and Google products help in writing code. Solid skills in these areas can streamline the development process.
David Ostrowski
Northwestern University
Information Science/Studies
What Software Engineering Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
David Ostrowski: Keep Learning. Some in the past have held the understanding that learning stops after college. While college gives you the foundation and insight, one needs to continually be learning throughout their career. Maintain an entrepreneurial mindset - even and especially if you plan on working for a large corporation (intrapreneur). Take a portion of your workweek to pursue new ideas and innovate. Maintain a portfolio of your work internally or externally. Love your work.
What general advice would you give to a Software Engineering Manager?
Yi Yang PhD: For new graduates beginning their careers in engineering, I would advise them to consider the broader impact of their work and look for opportunities to expand their management potential. While engineering is a highly technical field, it's important to recognize the value of leadership roles in preserving a culture of innovation. By taking on these positions, you can help ensure that companies prioritize long-term innovation over short-term gains (cutting R&D to boost the balance sheet), thus preserving the engineering culture that drives meaningful progress.
What Software Engineering Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yi Yang PhD: In the next 3-5 years, I believe management skills will become increasingly important. Engineers who can bridge the gap between technical complexity and business strategy, driving innovation and growth in their organizations will be very valuable.
What will help Software Engineering Managers increase their earning potential?
Yi Yang PhD: First of all, be really good at what you do. Always negotiate for a higher salary based on your qualifications and market value. Additionally, consider exploring opportunities in management and actively contribute to strategic decision-making. Taking calculated risks, such as joining a startup, can also lead to valuable experiences and skill development that can enhance your earning potential in the long run.
Travis Stouffer
Assistant Professor of Information Systems, ChairUniversity of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Department of Information Systems
What will help Software Engineering Managers increase their earning potential?
Travis Stouffer: As a graduate entering the workforce, look for employers that will foster a continuous learning environment and mentorship to help build upon what you’ve learned at the undergraduate level.
Donald Yeung
Professor and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education, Affiliate Professor, Computer Science DepartmentUniversity of Maryland - College Park
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
What skills stand out on Software Engineering Manager resumes?
Donald Yeung: A degree at a highly rated engineering school is always a plus. For example, the ECE dept at UMD has a good reputation among local employers as well as employers elsewhere, such as Silicon Valley. Many of our students go to companies in these areas, and so we have a reputation based on the quality of students that go out. I think employers know what they're getting. Beyond the school from which you receive your degree, your GPA is also important. How well you do in the program you come from is important, too, obviously. And employers also know about grade inflation or deflation at different schools, so they can calibrate any student's GPA against what experience they've had with previous students' records. Besides that, employers also look for experience outside of the degree program, so internships, research experiences, any significant project experience, etc., are also a real plus.
What skills will help Software Engineering Managers earn the most?
Donald Yeung: Finally, in terms of compensation, I believe the Computer Engineering degree in our department garners the highest average starting salary across the entire UMD campus. The Electrical Engineering degree is not far behind. I don't know if specific skills within ECE garner more pay. But I can say that these days, Data Science (i.e., Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence) is the fastest-growing field, probably bar none. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics, I think, puts the growth in this field at around 30% from now until 2026. I would expect the starting salaries in these jobs to be the very highest. So, perhaps having a background in Data Science and Machine Learning might get you a higher-paying job. But I also think it's dangerous for students to look at such statistics to guide what courses they take today (elective courses, that is). What's hot today may not be tomorrow. A career is 40 years, not the next 5 or 10 years.
Yasser Dessouky
Professor and ChairSan Jose State University
Industrial and Systems Engineering
What skills stand out on Software Engineering Manager resumes?
Yasser Dessouky: Besides being very comfortable with various professional social-media platforms, the new engineering students must embrace developing their skills in artificial intelligence and data science techniques. Besides being an excellent team member, today's remote world requires engineers to have independent problem-solving skills for a career to thrive.
What soft skills should all Software Engineering Managers possess?
Tom Springer Ph.D.: -Good communication skills
-Ability to exercise critical thinking and innovative problem solving
-Able to work under supervision and mentoring
-Works well in a team-oriented environment
What hard/technical skills are most important for Software Engineering Managers?
Tom Springer Ph.D.: -Experience/exposure to Automated Test Equipment (ATE) -Setup/Programming
-Understanding of basic software architectures and general syntax of coding languages such as C/C++
-Knowledge using Linux or Unix terminal commands
-Experience using Revision Control Systems: Subversion (SVN), CVS, Git.
-Exposure to System on Chip (SoC) hardware/software
-Experience with Robot Operating System (ROS) or equivalent is a bonus
Dr. John Ballato
J. E. Sirrine Endowed Chair and ProfessorClemson University
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
What hard/technical skills are most important for Software Engineering Managers?
Dr. John Ballato: Important hard/technical skills really depend on the nature of the job/position and the organization. This really relates back to the What Skills Stand Out question. Employers want to know that employees have the requisite "toolbox" of basic skills and a willingness and aptitude to learn on the job. No person comes out of school with all the skills and experiences needed for a given job, so organizations inevitably continue to provide training on product-specific skills. Knowing how to learn, wanting to learn, and admitting what you don't know are as important, if not more so, than any hard/technical skills one gains during their education.
What skills will help Software Engineering Managers earn the most?
Dr. John Ballato: Here, too, the answer depends on the field, job position (and location), and organization. MSE graduates generally are well compensated compared to other engineering fields. The most important thing is that you wake up every morning and are excited about the work you're doing. There's no substitute for enjoying your work, regardless of how much you are paid.
What skills stand out on Software Engineering Manager resumes?
Dr. John Ballato: The phrase "well rounded" may be getting old, but it's still true. We like to see graduates who didn't just go to class but worked in a laboratory or did a co-op/internship and had various extra-curricular activities, both personal and professional. Remember that materials science and engineering are leveraging computer science more and more, whether through atomistic or microstructural modeling or newer technologies such as machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). So having some familiarity with those and how they complement experimental/hands-on studies are helpful.
Another point about skills that stand out is a simple one - do your homework. There are few things more irritating than receiving a resume or email asking for a job, and the student clearly didn't care enough to look up what we do. The resume is a copy and paste and isn't personalized to the specific position, Group, or company. That stands out like a sore thumb.
Christine Bakke
LecturerUniversity of Minnesota - Crookston
Math, Science & Technology Department
How have salaries changed over time for Software Engineering Managers?
Christine Bakke: In previous questions, I have used my own wording; however, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics is the most accurate source for an answer to this question:
The median pay for ITM, MIS, & CIS (all listed together at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics):
$146,360 per year
$70.37 per hour
"Employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. These occupations are projected to add about 531,200 new jobs. Demand for these workers will stem from greater emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security. "
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Software Engineering Manager job market given the pandemic?
Christine Bakke: For many years remote tech support has been a growing field, but it was not the norm. Today, remote tech support and IT management have become crucial for daily operations. Remote work requires a solid IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, capable equipment, and quality software. The need for educated and experienced MIS / ITM / CIS will continue to increase.
Trends toward remote offices will become more acceptable and common; while some companies will return to the office en masse, others will allow more flexibility or become hybrid, and some will truly embrace the remote office. Use of remote tools such as Zoom will stay strong, as they provide global access at a huge cost benefit.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Software Engineering Managers?
Christine Bakke: MIS is a technical business degree which is offered with slightly different emphasis depending on the school's home department. For example, if a business department houses the degree it is often referred to as MIS; however, when Information Technology or Computer Science departments house this degree, the program would be called Information Technology Management (ITM) or Computer Information Systems (CIS). Each university has the autonomy to offer variations based on their specializations. Even though the programs can differ slightly, in general students receiving any of these three degrees receive an education in three areas: technical, management/business, and soft skills. Note that the US Bureau of Labor Statistics directs queries for all three fields (ITM, MIS and CIS) to the same data page (see answer to question 3).
Tyler Conklin
LecturerThe University of Arizona
Computer science Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Software Engineering Manager job market given the pandemic?
Tyler Conklin: The impact of the pandemic on the job market is limited in computer science. We are lucky to be in a field where remote work was routine long before the pandemic. This isn't true of all software engineering jobs, but many can be done with only a computer and internet access. The biggest changes come in the interviewing process and how the actual work will occur. It may be a long time before new hires ever meet their coworkers face to face.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Software Engineering Managers?
Tyler Conklin: A bachelor's degree in computer science will always help job prospects. I would consider it a great investment. However, some companies have made it clear that they are willing and happy to hire graduates of computer science boot camps. These are shorter courses aimed at teaching the student one specific technology or a very specific set of skills so that student can acquire a job in a certain subfield of software engineering. This is a much cheaper alternative than a traditional four-year degree. The tradeoff is less breadth of knowledge and more limited job options, and of course missing out on everything else that comes with a four-year degree. An even more efficient way to increase job prospects is to work on personal projects. Few things impress an interviewer more than a candidate showing off an application that he or she built on their own. What can show an interviewer that you can do the job better than a project demonstrating the required skills and knowledge?
How have salaries changed over time for Software Engineering Managers?
Tyler Conklin: Computer scientists and software engineers have been fortunate in seeing salaries continually increase in the field. Computer science student enrollment has continued to skyrocket, leading to a larger workforce, but it appears that demand continues to grow even faster.
How have salaries changed over time for Software Engineering Managers?
Jie Wang Ph.D.: Overall, the salary for computer jobs have been constantly moved upward. Among them, software engineer is one of the jobs which has been safe, lucrative and constantly in high demand over years. The median salary in 2015 for a software engineer was around $95,000, with the highest close to $150K. The latest data in 2021 shows that the national average salary in United States for a Software Engineer is about $103,000 for a software engineer, and $113,000 for a data scientist. I would expect that in the next ten years, the salary for software engineer keeps moving steadily upward as software applications grows.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Software Engineering Manager job market given the pandemic?
Jie Wang Ph.D.: The jobs in the computer field seems not as much affected by the pandemic as other fields. Some jobs, such as software development, database and web site management, can be done remotely from home. I do not anticipate a significant reduction in number of computer-related jobs in the coming few years.
Some jobs requires a Master's degree or higher. More and more employees are looking for people with work experience. For a fresh graduate, besides taking college classes, working with real and challenging projects and building a strong portfolio can become an alternative to work experience. Nowadays, a new normal is one has to be a life learner.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Software Engineering Managers?
Jie Wang Ph.D.: According to the LinkedIn, data-related and cloud computing skills are required in a majority of top technology jobs more or less, varying with companies and locations. In order to be competitive in the current job market, students not only should gain a broad knowledge but also need to specialize in one or more desirable skills.
In regards to the data-relevant skills, students should be able to access databases with SQL, perform a data science project by using the popular packages from Python and R, and understand a few commonly-used learning systems and algorithms such as regression, classification, random forest and recommender system. Students will benefit from obtaining one or more certificates from the three major cloud computing platform which are AWS, GCP and Microsoft Azure.
Youna Jung Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorVirginia Military Institute
Computer and Information Sciences
What will help Software Engineering Managers increase their earning potential?
Youna Jung Ph.D.: We live in an age where new technologies are introduced every year. Continuous learning is therefore inevitable in this field. Developing new skills can increase your value to the company. It may also allow you to take on new projects outside your normal job duties. This both raises your profile and increases your value. Attending webinars to learn about cutting edge knowledge or taking online courses to get a license would be good ways.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Software Engineering Managers?
Youna Jung Ph.D.: I would say Software Engineering and Cybersecurity. Regardless which area you will work on, understanding of software systems including software design, development process, and system validation is essential. At the same time, cybersecurity is becoming more and more critical to all organizations, governments and individuals. When working in computer science/engineering fields, we always consider cybersecurity measures in order to ensure that sensitive data is secured and privacy is not breached.
Peter Schubert Ph.D.
ProfessorIndiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
What will help Software Engineering Managers increase their earning potential?
Peter Schubert Ph.D.: Electrical and Computer Engineering is already attracting well-paying jobs. In my opinion, with the advent of distance collaboration and on-line meetings, the world is closer than ever before. This means there is greater and easier access to talent. So, the more important consideration, in my opinion, is to pursue post-graduate education, such as a Masters of Science, or a doctor of philosophy (of science, or Ph.D.). Investing in yourself is always a good choice. For those students able to do so, pursuing advanced degrees will generally mean higher starting salary, faster advancement, and longer career relevance.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Software Engineering Managers?
Jim Helm Ph.D.: For IT, the CCNA (Cisco) certifications, CISM (Security), CompTIA (Network), CCIE (Internetwork), AWS Certified (Cloud). There are also several advanced certifications
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Software Engineering Managers?
J.P. Mellor: I'm sure the pandemic will have an enduring impact on all of us. Our students are certainly experiencing new challenges as they strive to learn during the pandemic. They are aquiring skills and competencies associated with working remotely and engaging while doing so. These are skills that students in past years did not attain.
What's a day at work look like for a Software Engineering Manager?
J.P. Mellor: I'm not sure that what our graduates do has changed at all. How they do it has changed somewhat. All of us are learning to connect and engage remotely. Whether they're a recent grad or a not so recent grad they all are learning new skills as a result of the impact of the pandemic.
What will help Software Engineering Managers increase their earning potential?
J.P. Mellor: Our graduates are particularly good at making positive progress even when the way forward is not clear, they don't know how to do what needs to be accomplished, and/or they've never done it before. This is a skill set requires a solid technical foundation and makes our graduates especially valuable.that is part