Backend Engineer Salary Guide (2026)
Backend Engineer8 locations
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Compare compensation across cities to find the best opportunities for your career and lifestyle.
| Location | Salary Range | Median | Cost of LivingCoL |
|---|---|---|---|
| SeattleUnited States | $168,000 – $274,000 | $213,000 | 123.7/100 |
| San FranciscoUnited States | $123,985 – $291,411 | $190,081 | 89/100 |
| New YorkUnited States | $96,000 – $243,000 | $176,104 | 95/100 |
| ChicagoUnited States | $125,000 – $190,000 | $142,594 | 113.4/100 |
| AustinUnited States | $114,772 – $152,741 | $135,125 | 121/100 |
| RemoteUnited States | $75,000 – $250,000 | $125,000 | 100/100 |
| LondonUnited Kingdom | £64,000 – £99,000 | £79,000 | 81.4/100 |
| BerlinGermany | €62,000 – €82,000 | €73,000 | 62.2/100 |
Backend Engineer salaries vary significantly by location, experience level, and company size. Across the 8 locations we track, the average median salary is $163,651.
The highest-paying location is Seattle, where the median salary reaches $213,000 (cost of living index: 123.7/100). However, high salaries don't always translate to higher purchasing power — factor in the cost of living and tax implications for each location.
United States: US-based backend engineers earn between $75,000 and $291,411. Cities like Seattle, San Francisco and New York offer the most competitive packages.
Europe: European backend engineers typically earn between €62,000 and €82,000. While lower in absolute terms, strong worker protections, healthcare, and paid leave can offset the gap.
United Kingdom: UK-based roles range from £64,000 to £99,000.
These figures reflect base compensation and may not include bonuses, equity grants, or other benefits that can add 10–30% to total compensation at top companies. For the most accurate picture, click into a specific city to see detailed breakdowns, top hiring companies, and career advice tailored to that market.
Go beyond salary data — practical guides to help you land the role and negotiate the best offer.
The average median backend engineer salary across 8 locations is $163,651. However, this varies significantly by location — from $75,000 to $291,411 depending on the city and market.
Seattle offers the highest median salary at $213,000. US tech hubs generally lead in absolute salary, though European cities can offer better work-life balance and benefits.
Location is one of the biggest factors. The gap between the lowest and highest paying cities can be 2-4x. Cost of living adjustments, local market demand, and company concentration all play a role. Remote positions are increasingly competitive but may adjust based on your location.
The salary ranges shown reflect base compensation. Total compensation at top companies can be 10-30% higher when including annual bonuses, equity/RSU grants, and other benefits. Senior roles at FAANG-level companies often have equity that exceeds base salary.
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