Backend Engineer Salary in New York (2026)
Backend Engineers in New York can expect to earn between $96,000 and $243,000 annually, with a median salary of $176,104. This compensation reflects the city's competitive tech industry and the high demand for skilled professionals.
Key Facts
- Median salary for Backend Engineers in New York is $176,104.
- Entry-level positions start at $72,000 annually.
- Top companies hiring include Google and Bloomberg.
- Proficiency in Python and Java can increase earning potential.
- New York's cost of living index is 95, making it competitive among tech hubs.
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): $72,000 – $90,000
- Mid-Level (3-5 years): $90,000 – $115,000
- Senior-Level (5+ years): $135,000 – $180,000
How New York Compares
Compared to other major tech hubs:
- San Francisco, CA: Average salary of $400,000 with a cost of living index of 100.
- Seattle, WA: Average salary of $350,000 with a cost of living index of 75.
- Austin, TX: Average salary of $280,000 with a cost of living index of 60.
New York offers competitive salaries with a cost of living index of 95, making it an attractive location for Backend Engineers.
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in the following skills can lead to higher compensation:
- Python: Widely used for backend development.
- Java: Essential for enterprise-level applications.
- SQL: Crucial for database management.
- Docker: Important for containerization and deployment.
- Node.js: Popular for building scalable network applications.
Work Culture & Benefits
Top companies in New York offer:
- Comprehensive health insurance
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible work arrangements
- Professional development opportunities
- Generous paid time off
These benefits contribute to a supportive and dynamic work environment.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential, focus on developing in-demand skills like Python and Java. Additionally, consider opportunities at top companies known for competitive compensation and benefits.
Backend Engineer Insights — New York
Backend Engineer salaries in New York range from $96,000 to $243,000, a 83% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $176,104 sits near or above the midpoint, indicating strong market demand pushing compensation upward.
New York's cost of living index of 95/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the $176,104 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for backend engineer in New York is anchored by employers like Google, Bloomberg, and Capital One, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
Demand for backend engineer in New York centers around expertise in Python, Java, SQL, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $243,000 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Full Stack Developer or DevOps Engineer.
Related Roles in New York
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Stack Developer | New York | $105,287 - $233,450 | $156,777 |
| Android Developer | New York | $96,560 - $278,501 | $163,988 |
| ML Engineer | New York | $140,000 - $267,000 | $189,063 |
| Data Engineer | New York | $84,144 - $244,545 | $120,712 |
| Product Manager | New York | $104,000 - $214,000 | $134,628 |
| Software Engineer |
Backend Engineer Salaries by City
Compare backend engineer compensation across different locations
More Tech Salaries in New York
Explore other tech roles and their compensation in New York
📚 Related Articles
Backend Engineer Salary in 2026: 8 Cities Compared
What backend engineers actually earn in Seattle, San Francisco, New York, London, Berlin, Austin, Chicago, and remote — with real 2026 data.
The 14 Highest Paying Tech Jobs in 2026
Which tech roles pay the most? We ranked all 14 major tech positions by salary data from 113 cities worldwide.
7 Signs You're Underpaid (And What to Do)
How to figure out your real market value — and close the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Backend Engineer in New York?
The average salary for a Backend Engineer in New York is approximately $176,104 per year.
Which companies are hiring Backend Engineers in New York?
Top companies hiring Backend Engineers in New York include Google, Bloomberg, Capital One, The New York Times Company, and BNY.
How does New York's cost of living compare to other tech hubs?
New York has a cost of living index of 95, which is slightly lower than San Francisco's 100 but higher than Seattle's 75 and Austin's 60.
Now you know the salary. Can you actually land it?
Paste a Backend Engineer in New York job posting. See exactly where you match, where you don't, and how to address gaps in your application.
Free to start. No credit card.