Job Salary Hub · 2026
Software Engineer Salary in the US (2026)
Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work across startups, Big Tech, finance, healthcare, and every industry reliant on technology.
$105,000
Entry Level (P25)
25th percentile
$132,000
Median Salary
50th percentile
$165,000
Senior (P75)
75th percentile
$63
Hourly
$2,538
Weekly
$11,000
Monthly
$132,000
Annual
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Software Engineer Take-Home Pay by State
$132,000 median salary · single filer · 2026 tax rules
| State | State Tax | Total Tax | Eff. Rate | Take-Home / yr | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TexasNo tax | $0 | $31,025 | 23.5% | $100,975 | $8,415 |
FloridaNo tax | $0 | $31,025 | 23.5% | $100,975 | $8,415 |
WashingtonNo tax | $0 | $31,025 | 23.5% | $100,975 | $8,415 |
Arizona | $3,300 | $34,325 | 26% | $97,675 | $8,140 |
Colorado | $5,808 | $36,833 | 27.9% | $95,167 | $7,931 |
North Carolina | $5,940 | $36,965 | 28% | $95,035 | $7,920 |
Illinois | $6,534 | $37,559 | 28.45% | $94,441 | $7,870 |
New York | $7,214 | $38,239 | 28.97% | $93,761 | $7,813 |
Georgia | $7,247 | $38,272 | 28.99% | $93,728 | $7,811 |
California | $8,514 | $39,539 | 29.95% | $92,461 | $7,705 |
Software Engineer Career Profile
Top Industries
- Technology
- Finance
- Healthcare IT
- Defense
- E-commerce
Key Skills
Education
Bachelor's in Computer Science or related; bootcamp graduates common
Job Outlook
25% growth (2022–2032), ~162,900 openings/year (BLS)
Top Employers
Software Engineer Salary — Top 50 Cities
Click any city for after-tax breakdown, rent affordability, and local comparison
Is This Software Engineer Salary Good?
Compare each pay level across major cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Engineer salary in the US?
The national median Software Engineer salary is $132,000/year as of 2026. Entry-level positions start around $105,000 (25th percentile), while experienced professionals earn $165,000 or more (75th percentile). At the median, this works out to roughly $63/hour or $11,000/month gross.
How much does a Software Engineer take home after taxes?
After federal income tax, state tax, and FICA (Social Security + Medicare), a Software Engineer earning $132,000 in a moderate-tax state like Texas typically takes home around $100,975. In a high-tax state like California, take-home drops to roughly $92,461. Use the calculator above for your exact city and filing status.
Which cities pay Software Engineers the most?
Software Engineers typically earn the most in San Francisco, New York City, Seattle, and Boston — driven by high cost of living and strong industry demand. However, cities like Austin, Denver, and Phoenix offer competitive salaries with significantly lower state taxes, often yielding higher after-tax take-home pay than coastal metros.
Does state income tax significantly affect Software Engineer pay?
Yes — dramatically. A Software Engineer earning $132,000 in Texas (no state income tax) takes home approximately $100,975 annually. The same salary in California yields just $92,461 — a gap of over $8,514 per year.
What is the Software Engineer salary growth outlook?
25% growth (2022–2032), ~162,900 openings/year (BLS)
Software Engineer Salary — All States & Cities
50 states · 300 cities