Average software engineer salary by city (2026)
Where you work matters almost as much as who you work for. Here's what software engineers are actually earning across the top US tech markets in 2026.
Software engineer compensation varies by as much as $80,000 a year depending on the city — and that gap has gotten wider, not smaller, as remote work has reshuffled the talent market. Whether you're evaluating a new offer, planning a move, or just trying to figure out if you're underpaid, knowing your city's market is the starting point.
The data below reflects base salary ranges for mid-level software engineers (3–6 years of experience) across major US tech hubs in 2026. Total compensation including equity and bonus will be higher at most companies.
Salary ranges by city
| City | 25th %ile | Median | 75th %ile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $148,000 | $182,000 | $224,000 |
| New York, NY | $138,000 | $168,000 | $208,000 |
| Seattle, WA | $140,000 | $172,000 | $215,000 |
| Austin, TX | $115,000 | $142,000 | $175,000 |
| Boston, MA | $118,000 | $148,000 | $182,000 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,000 | $135,000 | $165,000 |
| Denver, CO | $108,000 | $132,000 | $160,000 |
| Atlanta, GA | $100,000 | $125,000 | $152,000 |
| Remote (US) | $120,000 | $155,000 | $192,000 |
Data reflects base salary for mid-level software engineers (3–6 years experience). Total compensation including equity and bonus will vary significantly by company and level.
San Francisco, CA
Median base: $182,000 · Range: $148,000 – $224,000
Highest base salaries in the country. Equity upside is significant at top companies.
New York, NY
Median base: $168,000 · Range: $138,000 – $208,000
Finance-adjacent tech roles command premiums. Strong fintech and media sector presence.
Seattle, WA
Median base: $172,000 · Range: $140,000 – $215,000
Amazon and Microsoft anchor the market. RSU packages are a major part of total comp.
Austin, TX
Median base: $142,000 · Range: $115,000 – $175,000
No state income tax offsets the lower base. Growing rapidly with major company relocations.
Boston, MA
Median base: $148,000 · Range: $118,000 – $182,000
Strong biotech and fintech presence. MIT and Harvard pipelines keep competition high.
Chicago, IL
Median base: $135,000 · Range: $108,000 – $165,000
Growing tech scene with lower cost of living than coastal cities. Good value market.
Denver, CO
Median base: $132,000 · Range: $108,000 – $160,000
Popular remote hub. Salaries reflect local rates for in-office, national rates for remote.
Atlanta, GA
Median base: $125,000 · Range: $100,000 – $152,000
Fastest growing tech hub in the Southeast. Delta, Home Depot, and startups drive demand.
Remote (US)
Median base: $155,000 · Range: $120,000 – $192,000
Wide range depending on company HQ. Top companies pay SF rates regardless of location.
What these numbers don't tell you
City-level data is a starting point, not the full picture. Your specific level, company size, industry, and tech stack all move the number significantly. A senior engineer at a Series B startup in Austin might earn more total comp than a mid-level engineer at a large enterprise in San Francisco. Equity and bonus can double or triple your base salary at the right company.
Use these ranges to calibrate — not to set a ceiling. If you're below the 50th percentile for your city and experience level, you almost certainly have room to negotiate.
How to use this data in a negotiation
When you get an offer, compare it to the 75th percentile for your city — not the median. You want to aim high in the negotiation, and citing specific data gives you credibility. “Based on market data for senior engineers in Seattle, the 75th percentile base is around $215,000. I'd like to discuss getting to $200,000” is a much stronger position than “I was hoping for more.”
If you're in a remote role, you have more leverage than a local candidate. Push for the national rate or the rate for the city where the company is headquartered — especially if the company has a location-blind pay policy. Read how to negotiate a remote job offer for the full strategy.
Once you have your number, here's how to negotiate salary after a job offer — including the exact scripts to use when you make your counter.