Brain Food IT Salaries Software Engineer Salary

Software Engineer Salary Range

The U.S. Department of Labor forecasts software engineer employment to grow by 30% from 2010 to 2020, placing software engineer among the nation's fastest growing occupations. Proliferation of mobile and cloud-based technologies, plus aggressive efforts to protect software systems and applications against escalating security threats, is generating unprecedented demand for software engineers. This rapid increase in hiring has led to the current software engineer skills gap - meaning there are now more software engineer job openings than skilled programmers to fill them. Software engineer salaries reflect this trend, as 2012's average starting salary for software engineers approaches the six-figure mark.

Here is a snapshot of the 2012 software engineer salary landscape, featuring software engineer salary trends from leading IT salary surveys and unbiased employment data sources. Use our IT salary calculator, job search & education tools to maximize your software engineer salary. Explore the software engineer job description for a closer look at this hot career.

Software Engineer Training

Software Engineer Average Starting Salaries

Starting salary ranges for software engineers, software developers and related IT professionals from 2010 to 2012:

 Job Title
Software Engineer
Software Developer
Product Manager
Mobile Developer
2010 Salary
$71,250 - $107,000
$64,500 - $100,000
$84,250 - $116,000
NA (New Career)
2011 Salary
$73,500 - $112,000
$65,750 - $104,250
$86,5000 - $119,000
$78,000 - $112,250
2012 Salary
$78,250 - $119,500
$70,000 - $111,000
$90,750 - $124,750
$85,000 - $122,500
2-Year Increase
11.0%
10.0%
7.6%
9.1%

Add these percentages to the software engineer salaries above for the following skills:

  • Add 4% for ASP Development Skills
  • Add 8% for C# Development Skills
  • Add 5% for C++ Development Skills
  • Add 5% for DCOM/COM/ActiveX Development Skills
  • Add 8% for Java/Java Enterprise Edition Development Skills
  • Add 8% for .Net Development Skills
  • Add 8% for PHP Development Skills
  • Add 4% for Visual Basic Development Skills
  • Add 8% for Web Services Development Skills
software engineer wages Source: Robert Half Technology 2010 - 2012 IT Salary Guides

Software Engineer Salaries by State

U.S. State / Location

Average Annual Wage

Average Hourly Wage

Software Engineer Salary Alabama
$86,010
$41.35
Software Engineer Salary Alaska
$74,720
$35.92
Software Engineer Salary Arizona
$89,820
$43.18
Software Engineer Salary Arkansas
$67,650
$32.52
Software Engineer Salary California
$102,280
$49.17
Software Engineer Salary Colorado
$90,970
$43.74
Software Engineer Salary Connecticut
$89,750
$43.15
Software Engineer Salary Delaware
$84,640
$40.69
Software Engineer Salary District of Columbia
$92,430
$44.44
Software Engineer Salary Florida
$79,990
$38.46
Software Engineer Salary Georgia
$89,840
$43.19
Software Engineer Salary Hawaii
$78,160
$37.58
Software Engineer Salary Idaho
$70,410
$33.85
Software Engineer Salary Illinois
$88,650
$42.62
Software Engineer Salary Indiana
$70,500
$33.89
Software Engineer Salary Iowa
$71,030
$34.15
Software Engineer Salary Kansas
$77,700
$37.35
Software Engineer Salary Kentucky
$69,300
$33.32
Software Engineer Salary Louisiana
$72,780
$34.99
Software Engineer Salary Maine
$72,400
$34.81
Software Engineer Salary Maryland
$94,360
$45.37
Software Engineer Salary Massachusetts
$98,400
$47.31
Software Engineer Salary Michigan
$80,540
$38.72
Software Engineer Salary Minnesota
$88,490
$42.55
Software Engineer Salary Mississippi
$70,120
$33.71
Software Engineer Salary Missouri
$81,230
$39.05
Software Engineer Salary Montana
$59,530
$28.62
Software Engineer Salary Nebraska
$69,620
$33.47
Software Engineer Salary Nevada
$77,720
$37.36
Software Engineer Salary New Hampshire
$91,130
$43.81
Software Engineer Salary New Jersey
$96,380
$46.34
Software Engineer Salary New Mexico
$84,560
$40.65
Software Engineer Salary New York
$94,510
$45.44
Software Engineer Salary North Carolina
$88,760
$42.67
Software Engineer Salary North Dakota
$59,310
$28.52
Software Engineer Salary Ohio
$80,490
$38.70
Software Engineer Salary Oklahoma
$67,070
$32.25
Software Engineer Salary Oregon
$90,240
$43.38
Software Engineer Salary Pennsylvania
$82,510
$39.67
Software Engineer Salary Puerto Rico
$51,310
$24.67
Software Engineer Salary Rhode Island
$92,550
$44.50
Software Engineer Salary South Carolina
$71,750
$34.50
Software Engineer Salary South Dakota
$74,070
$35.61
Software Engineer Salary Tennessee
$74,730
$35.93
Software Engineer Salary Texas
$92,160
$44.31
Software Engineer Salary Utah
$80,350
$38.63
Software Engineer Salary Vermont
$77,150
$37.09
Software Engineer Salary Virginia
$96,510
$46.40
Software Engineer Salary Washington
$94,350
$45.36
Software Engineer Salary West Virginia
$73,490
$35.33
Software Engineer Salary Wisconsin
$77,090
$37.06
Software Engineer Salary Wyoming
$68,630
$32.99
software engineer salary range 2012 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-2013 Occupational Outlook Handbook
CNN Money named Software Engineer the #1 Best Job for Fast Growth in 2012 in its annual·Best Jobs in America feature. Source: CNN Money (money.cnn.com)

Software Engineer Salaries by Specialty & Experience

  • Software QA Engineer salary: $77,000
  • C++ Software Engineer salary: $83,000
  • Software Engineer salary: $90,000
  • Applications Software Engineer salary: $91,000
  • Systems Software Engineer salary: $91,000
  • PHP Software Engineer salary: $91,000
  • Firmware Engineer salary: $92,000
  • Perl Software Engineer salary: $93,000
  • Mobile Application Developer salary: $94,000
  • Python Software Engineer salary: $94,000
  • Ruby on Rails Software Engineer salary: $94,000
  • Java Software Engineer salary: $95,000
  • Objective-C Software Engineer salary: $96,000
  • Senior Software Engineer salary: $96,000
  • Android Software Engineer salary: $96,000
  • Lead Software Engineer salary: $98,000
  • iOS Software Engineer salary: $102,000
  • Web UI Software Engineer salary: 104,000
  • Principal Software Engineer salary: $104,000
  • Senior Java Software Engineer salary: $109,000
software engineer salary range 2011-2012 Source: Indeed.com

Software Engineer Salary vs. Popular IT Salaries

  • Help Desk Technician Salary: $54,732
  • Network Administrator Salary: $63,160
  • System Administrator Salary: $67,393
  • Technical Analyst Salary: $69,886
  • Telecom. or Voice Professional Salary: $74,580
  • Business Analyst Salary: $75,525
  • Network or LAN Manager Salary: $77,788
  • Applications Developer Salary: $82,151
  • Database Administrator Salary: $83,256
  • Systems Engineer Salary: $85,032
  • IT Security Professional Salary: $87,408
  • IT Consultant Salary: $87,739
  • IT Manager Salary: $87,934
  • Software Engineer Salary: $90,000
  • Mobile Application Developer Salary: $94,000
  • IT Project Manager Salary: $94,457
  • IT Department Head Salary: $100,757
  • IT Architect Salary: $102,894
  • Chief Information Officer (CIO) Salary: $127,073
software engineer job salary range Source: 2011 IT Salary Report by Global Knowledge & TechRepublic

Software Engineer Training

Regardless of industry or geographic location, software engineers will continue to enjoy high demand, significant advancement & entrepreneurial opportunities, and top earning potential. Start on your path to a six-figure software engineer salary today; browse our directory of pre-screened software engineering education programs and work with admissions consultants to build your ideal software engineer learning plan.

Browse the top-rated undergrad & graduate degrees, professional certificates, online training programs and self-paced courses matching the software engineer career track.

Admissions advisors can provide more information about programs and curriculum, admissions & start dates, online learning, software engineer salaries & careers, tuition costs and personalized financial aid options.
Got targeted learning goals? Many schools offer individual courses & certifications from accredited degrees.

Computer School

Software Engineer Training Program

Course Highlights & Certifications

B.S.I.T. Software

  • Method: Online Degree
  • Degree Level: Bachelor
  • Accredited Program: Yes
  • Financial Aid Available: Yes
  • Includes Certification Prep & Exams for:
    • Oracle OCP: Java SE 7 Programmer
    • Four (4) CompTIA Certificates including Network+, A+, Security+ & Project+
    • Five (5) CIW Certificates including Perl, Web Foundations, Web Design, JavaScript, Database Design & Web Development
    • Seven (7) MTA Certificates in Windows 7, Windows Server, Networks, Databases, Security, Web & Software Development
  • Hands-On Training in Software Engineering
  • Java, Perl, Objective-C & C++ Programming
  • JavaScript and HTML for Web Development
  • Database Development & Security Training
  • Networks Design & Administration Training
  • Systems Administration & Security Courses
  • Learn the Essential Microsoft Technologies
  • Application Development Team Leadership
  • Technical Writing for Software Development
  • WGU is a Microsoft and Oracle IT Academy
  • Option to Create Custom Online Semesters

B.S. Mobile Application Development

  • Method: Online Degree
  • Degree Level: Bachelor
  • Accredited Program: Yes
  • Financial Aid Available: Yes
  • Learn the Programming, Business & Creative Skills to Become a Mobile Software Developer
  • iPhone Application Development Training
  • Android Application Development Training
  • Mobile Game and Simulation Programming
  • User Interface (UI) and Usability Testing
  • Mobile Application Design & Art Direction
  • Mobile Apps Deployment and Distribution
  • Mobile App Business & Marketing Strategy
  • Mobile Developer Portfolio & Resume Review
  • Java, Objective-C, MySQL and PHP Coding
  • Award-Winning Online Learning Platform
  • FSU Lifetime Career Placement Services
  • Option to Attend Individual Online Courses

Master's of Software Engineering

  • Method: Online Degree
  • Degree Level: Master
  • Accredited Program: Yes
  • Financial Aid Available: Yes
  • Prerequisite: Bachelors Degree
  • Learn to Analyze & Solve Business Problems with Strategic Software Engineering Solutions
  • Examine Emerging Technology Trends inc. Cloud-Computing & Mobile Device Integration
  • Software Engineering Team Management
  • Advanced UI Design and Software Usability
  • Graduate-Level Java Programming Course
  • Examine Networking and OS Fundamentals
  • Study Database Concepts and Capabilities
  • Software Application Planning and Strategy
  • CTU Virtual Campus won Computerworld Honors "Best of the Best" Academia Award
  • Option to Attend Individual Online Courses

A.A.S. IT Application Development

  • Method: Online Degree
  • Degree Level: Associate
  • Accredited Program: Yes
  • Financial Aid Available: Yes
  • Design & Develop Graphical User Interface-Based (GUI) Applications in Visual Studio
  • Use C# Programming to Develop Software Applications that Solve Business Problems
  • Learn how to Analyze, Design & Implement Software Engineering Solutions using Java
  • Develop Object-Oriented VB .Net Programs
    that Interact with the Corporate Database
  • Application Developer Portfolio Assembly
  • Custom Core IT Curriculum and Electives
  • Kaplan University Job Placement Services
  • Option to Attend Individual Online Courses

Software Engineering Executive

  • Method: Online or On-Campus
  • Degree Level: Graduate Certificate
  • Accredited Program: Yes
  • Financial Aid Available: Yes
  • Prerequisite: Bachelors Degree
  • Learn how to Develop Strategic Software Applications to Solve Business Problems
  • Software Application Project Management
  • Strategic Database Systems Management
  • Examine Modern Enterprise Architectures
  • Software Systems Analysis and Design
  • Advanced Software Engineering Training
  • Online, Campus or Blended Class Formats
  • Option to Attend Individual Online Courses

B.S.I.T. Software Systems Engineering

  • Method: Online Degree
  • Degree Level: Bachelor
  • Accredited Program: Yes
  • Financial Aid Available: Yes
  • Enterprise Software Systems Engineering
  • Harness the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to Solve Complex Business Problems
  • Computer Networks and the Role of Network Management Software in Organizations
  • Study Human-Computer Interaction, Usability Principles & Advanced User-Interface Design
  • Software Testing Skills: Unit, Operational, Integration, Usability, Stress & System Testing
  • Master One or More OOP Programming Languages: Java, C++, C# or Visual Basic
  • Database Design and Development Training
  • Software Engineering IT Project Management
  • Design and Create Enterprise Architectures
  • Award-Winning Online Learning Platform
  • Option to Attend Individual Online Courses

B.S.I.T. Software Application Programming

  • Method: Online Degree
  • Degree Level: Bachelor
  • Accredited Program: Yes
  • Financial Aid Available: Yes
  • Develop Innovative Software Applications Based on Analysis of End-Users' Goals
  • Computer Networks and the Role of Network Management Software in Organizations
  • Advanced Java Application Programming
  • User Interface Design & Usability Testing
  • Develop Captivating Web Applications
  • Examination of Object Oriented Methods
  • Computer Application Security Assurance
  • Software App Team Project Management
  • Intro to PC and Mobile Operating Systems
  • Database Design and Management Training
  • Develop a Requirements Traceability Matrix
  • Award-Winning Online Learning Platform
  • Option to Attend Individual Online Courses

A.A. IT Programming

  • Method: Online or On-Campus
  • Degree Level: Associate
  • Accredited Program: Yes
  • Financial Aid Available: Yes
  • Object-Oriented Programming Training
  • C, C# & C++ Application Development
  • Advanced Java SE Software Engineering
  • Develop Web Pages & Web-Based Apps
    using HTML, CSS, DHTML & JavaScript
  • Use Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Flash to Manipulate Digital Images & Design Multimedia Interactive Web Pages
  • Online, Campus & Blended Class Formats
  • Option to Attend Individual 6-Week Courses

B.S.I.T. Mobile Computing

  • Method: Online Degree
  • Degree Level: Bachelor
  • Accredited Program: Yes
  • Financial Aid Available: Yes
  • Learn the Skills & Technical Competencies to Become a Mobile Application Developer
  • Java Programming Training for Blackberry and Android Application Development
  • Learn Objective-C Programming for iOS Application Development (iPhone & iPad)
  • Mobile Database Administration Training
  • Mobile Operating System Administration
  • Build Basic .Net Framework Apps in C#
  • Mobile App Developer Portfolio Assembly
  • Acclaimed Core IT Curriculum & Electives
  • Kaplan University Job Placement Services
  • Option to Attend Individual Online Courses

B.S. Game & Simulation Programming

  • Method: Online or On-Campus
    (100+ Locations in US & Canada)
  • Degree Level: Bachelor
  • Accredited College: Yes
  • Financial Aid Available: Yes
  • Provides the Skills & Connections to Pursue a Range of Game/Simulation Development Jobs
  • DeVry Partners with Gaming Industry Giants like Vivendi / Universal to Provide Real-World Learning Opportunities & Networking Contacts!
  • Mastery of Game & Simulation Programming Skills, Design Principles and Software Methods
  • Develop Video Games, Corporate Training Software, Crime Scene Reconstructions & More
  • Practical Game Design w/ Hands-On Labs
  • Artificial Intelligence Methods & Techniques
  • Game Physics Engine Development Training
  • Mobile Device Game Development Training
  • Collision Detection and Effective Solutions
  • Select Online, Classroom or Blended Learning

A.A.S. Programming - Java Focus

  • Method: Online Degree
  • Degree Level: Associate
  • Accredited Program: Yes
  • Financial Aid Available: Yes
  • Develop Business Systems and Applications for a Range of Platforms and Mobile Devices
  • Intro to Logic and Computer Programming
  • Concentrated Java Programming Training
  • Learn C++ and·VisualBASIC Programming
  • Database-Driven Application Development
  • Lessons in SQL Database & Query Design
  • Desktop PC and Mobile Operating Systems
  • Multi-Level Career Placement Services and Graduate Employment Rate Over 97%
  • Option to Attend Individual Online Courses

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