Software Engineer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Software Engineer salary lies between USD 117,600 and USD 210,000 in the United States. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Feb. 2, 2025

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Software Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Software Engineer job listings are Cloud, Computer Science and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Cloud | 1360 jobs Computer Science | 1140 jobs Python | 1107 jobs Java | 888 jobs AWS | 785 jobs C | 767 jobs Agile | 659 jobs Monitoring | 624 jobs Automation | 613 jobs Compliance | 605 jobs Linux | 581 jobs Kubernetes | 576 jobs APIs | 562 jobs Azure | 558 jobs Docker | 485 jobs Privacy | 485 jobs GCP | 465 jobs CI/CD | 443 jobs JavaScript | 384 jobs Clearance | 363 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Software Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Software Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Equity / stock options. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 1382 jobs Health care | 1021 jobs Equity / stock options | 781 jobs Flex hours | 771 jobs Flex vacation | 765 jobs Parental leave | 682 jobs Medical leave | 663 jobs Insurance | 535 jobs Salary bonus | 465 jobs Startup environment | 448 jobs Competitive pay | 445 jobs Team events | 349 jobs Wellness | 285 jobs 401(k) matching | 259 jobs Transparency | 133 jobs Relocation support | 124 jobs Home office stipend | 121 jobs Gear | 89 jobs Flexible spending account | 87 jobs Fertility benefits | 73 jobs

Salary Composition

In the field of InfoSec/Cyber Security, particularly for a Software Engineer in the United States, the salary structure can vary significantly based on factors such as region, industry, and company size. Typically, the salary is composed of a fixed base salary, which forms the bulk of the compensation package. This base salary can range widely depending on the cost of living in the region and the demand for cybersecurity professionals.

In addition to the base salary, bonuses are a common component, often tied to individual performance, company performance, or both. These bonuses can be annual or quarterly and may range from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies or startups, which can significantly increase total compensation if the company performs well. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off are also standard components of the overall compensation package.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a median of USD 161,500, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, AI security, or blockchain security. Gaining expertise in these high-demand areas can make you more valuable to employers. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or positions with greater responsibility, such as a team lead or manager, can also lead to higher compensation. Networking within the industry and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.

Educational Requirements

Most positions in InfoSec/Cyber Security for Software Engineers require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree, especially for more senior roles. A strong foundation in programming, systems architecture, and network security is essential. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies are also crucial in this rapidly evolving field.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some of the most recognized certifications in the cybersecurity field include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Security+
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

These certifications cover a range of skills and knowledge areas, from ethical hacking to security management, and can be instrumental in advancing your career.

Required Experience

The usual experience required for a cybersecurity role as a Software Engineer typically includes several years of experience in software development, with a focus on security. Employers often look for candidates with experience in secure coding practices, vulnerability assessment, and threat modeling. Experience with specific security tools and technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols, is also highly valued.

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