Software Engineer Salary Guide (2026)
Software Engineer21 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TokyoJapan | ¥4,500,000 – ¥29,900,000 | ¥9,500,000 | 86.96/100 |
| BangaloreIndia | ₹320,000 – ₹1,930,000 | ₹1,556,046 | 25.1/100 |
| San FranciscoUnited States | $116,240 – $251,737 | $171,061 | 89/100 |
| New YorkUnited States | $89,328 – $232,974 | $159,554 | 222/100 |
| SeattleUnited States | $106,363 – $209,212 | $149,172 | 143/100 |
| Los AngelesUnited States | $85,382 – $222,681 | $147,722 | 49.4/100 |
| Remote | $80,000 – $200,000 | $130,000 | — |
| TorontoCanada | CA$50,000 – CA$270,000 | CA$128,750 | 67.4/100 |
| AustinUnited States | $76,317 – $199,040 | $127,139 | 111/100 |
| DenverUnited States | $90,000 – $210,000 | $126,421 | 125/100 |
| SydneyAustralia | A$100,000 – A$150,000 | A$118,042 | 85/100 |
| BostonUnited States | $85,967 – $224,209 | $116,207 | 153/100 |
| VancouverCanada | CA$87,168 – CA$136,322 | CA$115,614 | 69.5/100 |
| ChicagoUnited States | $79,654 – $207,744 | $107,673 | 107/100 |
| LondonUnited Kingdom | £45,000 – £140,000 | £102,500 | 81.4/100 |
| AmsterdamNetherlands | €50,000 – €115,000 | €94,000 | 70/100 |
| MunichGermany | €75,000 – €115,000 | €92,000 | 85/100 |
| BerlinGermany | €65,000 – €95,000 | €78,000 | 72/100 |
| ParisFrance | €40,000 – €100,000 | €70,000 | 85/100 |
| DubaiUnited Arab Emirates | AED 5,000 – AED 35,000 | AED 16,000 | 59/100 |
| SingaporeSingapore | SGD 3,500 – SGD 14,700 | SGD 6,750 | 50/100 |
Software Engineer salaries vary significantly by location, experience level, and company size. Across the 21 locations we track, the average median salary is $137,217.
The highest-paying location is Tokyo, where the median salary reaches ¥9,500,000 (cost of living index: 86.96/100). 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 software engineers earn between $76,317 and $251,737. Cities like San Francisco, New York and Seattle offer the most competitive packages.
Europe: European software engineers typically earn between €40,000 and €115,000. While lower in absolute terms, strong worker protections, healthcare, and paid leave can offset the gap.
United Kingdom: UK-based roles range from £45,000 to £140,000.
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 software engineer salary across 21 locations is $137,217. However, this varies significantly by location — from $76,317 to $251,737 depending on the city and market.
Tokyo offers the highest median salary at ¥9,500,000. 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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