Starting Salaries for Software Engineers: How Much Can You Expect to Earn?

Greetings, readers! Are you interested in pursuing a career as a software engineer? Are you curious about the starting salaries in this field? Look no further, as we have compiled all the information you need to know about starting salaries for software engineers.

Introduction

Software engineering is an in-demand profession with a bright future. The field is constantly growing, with new technologies and advancements being introduced every year. As such, software engineers are in high demand, and their starting salaries reflect the demand for their skills.

Before we dive into the specifics of starting salaries, it’s worth noting that software engineering is a broad field. There are many different types of software engineers, each with unique responsibilities and skill sets. Some common types of software engineers include front-end developers, back-end developers, full-stack developers, and mobile app developers.

The starting salary for a software engineer can vary depending on a variety of factors, including location, experience, and company. However, we have gathered data to provide you with a general understanding of what you can expect to earn as a software engineer.

Location

One of the biggest factors that can affect a software engineer’s starting salary is location. Salaries can vary greatly from state to state or even from city to city. For example, a software engineer working in San Francisco will likely earn more than a software engineer working in a smaller, less expensive city.

According to Glassdoor, the top five cities with the highest median base salary for software engineers as of 2021 are:

Rank	City	Median Base Salary
1	San Francisco, CA	$120,000
2	Seattle, WA	$105,000
3	San Jose, CA	$105,000
4	New York, NY	$100,000
5	Los Angeles, CA	$100,000

Experience

Another factor that can impact a software engineer’s starting salary is experience. A software engineer with years of experience will likely earn more than a recent graduate.

According to PayScale, the average starting salary for a software engineer with less than one year of experience is $68,000. However, this number can increase significantly with more experience:

• 1-4 years of experience: $79,000
• 5-9 years of experience: $95,000
• 10-19 years of experience: $116,000
• 20+ years of experience: $126,000

Company

The company you work for can also impact your starting salary as a software engineer. Larger, more established companies may offer higher salaries than smaller startups. According to Glassdoor, some of the top companies with the highest median base salary for software engineers as of 2021 are:

• Google: $130,000
• Facebook: $123,000
• Microsoft: $117,000
• Amazon: $108,000
• Apple: $105,000

Starting Salaries for Software Engineers Explained

Now that we’ve discussed some of the factors that can impact a software engineer’s starting salary, let’s take a deeper dive into what you can expect to earn in this field.

Median Starting Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers was $107,510 as of May 2020. This means that half of all software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less.

However, it’s important to note that this number includes both experienced professionals and those just starting out. The starting salary for a software engineer is typically lower than the median salary for someone with years of experience.

Regional Differences

As previously mentioned, salaries can vary greatly depending on location. According to Glassdoor, the median base salary for software engineers in the United States was $87,000 as of 2021. However, this number can be much higher or lower depending on the region.

For example, the median base salary for software engineers in San Francisco is $120,000, while the median base salary for software engineers in Dallas is $73,000.

Industry Differences

The industry you work in can also impact your starting salary as a software engineer. According to Glassdoor, some of the top industries with the highest median base salary for software engineers as of 2021 are:

• Finance: $97,000
• Government: $95,000
• Healthcare: $93,000
• Retail: $90,000
• Manufacturing: $89,000

Specializations

As previously mentioned, software engineering is a broad field with many different specializations. Some specializations, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, can command higher starting salaries than others. According to Indeed, some of the top specialized software engineering roles and their median salaries as of 2021 are:

• Artificial Intelligence Engineer: $146,000
• Full Stack Developer: $110,000
• Data Scientist: $105,000
• Mobile Developer: $101,000
• Front End Developer: $90,000

Education Level

While a degree is not always required to become a software engineer, having one can impact your starting salary. According to PayScale, the average starting salary for a software engineer with a Bachelor’s degree is $73,000, while the average starting salary for a software engineer with a Master’s degree is $86,000.

Gender Pay Gap

Unfortunately, there is still a gender pay gap in the software engineering industry. According to Glassdoor, as of 2021, the national gender pay gap for software engineers is 7.2%, with men earning more than women on average. This gap can increase or decrease depending on the region and industry.

FAQs

1. What is the average starting salary for a software engineer?

The average starting salary for a software engineer is $68,000 according to PayScale.

2. How much do software engineers make in California?

The median base salary for software engineers in California is $107,000 according to Glassdoor.

3. How much do software engineers make in New York City?

The median base salary for software engineers in New York City is $100,000 according to Glassdoor.

4. What factors can impact a software engineer’s starting salary?

Location, experience, company, education level, and specialization are all factors that can impact a software engineer’s starting salary.

5. Which cities have the highest median base salary for software engineers?

As of 2021, the cities with the highest median base salary for software engineers are San Francisco, Seattle, San Jose, New York, and Los Angeles according to Glassdoor.

6. Do software engineers make more than other types of engineers?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers make more than several other types of engineers, including civil engineers, electrical engineers, and mechanical engineers.

7. How can I negotiate a higher starting salary as a software engineer?

Research salaries in your area, be confident in your skills and experience, and be willing to negotiate. You can also consider asking for additional benefits such as stock options or flexible work arrangements.

8. What is the gender pay gap for software engineers?

As of 2021, the national gender pay gap for software engineers is 7.2% according to Glassdoor.

9. How can I get started in a career as a software engineer?

You can start by obtaining a degree in computer science or a related field, building a portfolio of projects and experience, and networking with others in the industry.

10. What is the job outlook for software engineers?

The job outlook for software engineers is positive, with a projected growth rate of 22% from 2019-2029 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

11. Do software engineers typically receive benefits?

Yes, many software engineers receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

12. Is it possible to work remotely as a software engineer?

Yes, many companies allow software engineers to work remotely, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

13. Are there opportunities for advancement in the software engineering industry?

Yes, there are many opportunities for advancement in the software engineering industry, including becoming a team lead, manager, or senior engineer.

Conclusion

As you can see, starting salaries for software engineers can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. However, the field is growing and has a positive job outlook, making it a great career choice for those with an interest in software development.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a software engineer, we encourage you to research salaries in your area, build your skills and experience, and network with others in the industry. With dedication and hard work, you can land a job with a competitive starting salary.

Closing/Disclaimer

While we have done our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, starting salaries for software engineers can still vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. It’s important to do your own research and speak with professionals in the field to get a better understanding of what you can expect to earn.

Additionally, this article is not meant to serve as financial or career advice. Always consult with a professional before making any major financial or career decisions.