Software engineering salaries vary widely by experience, location, and specialism. This guide breaks down what engineers are earning in 2026 across each of those dimensions.
Two engineers with similar titles and experience levels can earn very different salaries. The reasons include location, whether the employer is remote-first or office-based, the programming languages and frameworks involved, the industry the company operates in, and company stage from early startup to large enterprise.
Remote work has also changed the landscape significantly. Engineers in lower cost-of-living cities who work for companies headquartered in high-cost markets can now access salaries that would previously have required relocation. This has raised the floor for experienced engineers in many regions while increasing salary competition at the top end.
These figures represent approximate annual base salary ranges in USD for US-based roles. Remote roles for US companies follow similar bands.
| Role | Entry Level | Mid Level | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Software Engineer | $75k to $100k | $110k to $150k | $155k to $220k |
| Frontend Engineer | $70k to $95k | $100k to $140k | $145k to $200k |
| Backend Engineer | $80k to $105k | $115k to $155k | $160k to $230k |
| Full Stack Engineer | $75k to $100k | $110k to $150k | $155k to $215k |
| DevOps Engineer | $85k to $110k | $120k to $160k | $165k to $235k |
| Data Engineer | $80k to $108k | $118k to $158k | $165k to $240k |
Software engineers in the UK earn between £35,000 and £130,000 depending on experience and specialism. London commands a significant premium, typically 15 to 25 percent above roles in other cities. Senior engineers at established technology companies and financial services firms in London frequently earn above £100,000, while mid-level engineers outside London tend to sit between £50,000 and £75,000.
Canadian software engineer salaries range from CAD 70,000 at entry level to CAD 200,000 or more at senior levels in major cities. Toronto and Vancouver lead in compensation due to the presence of large technology employers and financial institutions. Remote roles for US companies paying in USD have raised expectations significantly for experienced engineers.
Germany and the Netherlands are among the highest-paying European markets, with senior engineers earning between EUR 80,000 and EUR 120,000 in base salary. Other Western European markets including France and Sweden offer comparable ranges, though total compensation structures differ more significantly when accounting for benefits and tax systems.
Machine learning, AI infrastructure, security engineering, and distributed systems specialists consistently earn 20 to 40 percent above general software engineer rates at the same experience level. The supply of engineers with deep expertise in these areas remains constrained relative to demand, which sustains the premium.
Fintech companies and investment banks pay among the highest total compensation in the industry, particularly in New York and London. Large technology companies follow closely. Startups at the pre-revenue stage often compensate with equity rather than cash, which introduces more variability in actual financial outcomes.
Fully remote roles at companies headquartered in high-cost cities can offer engineers in lower-cost locations access to above-market salaries for their region. Some employers apply location-based pay adjustments while others pay a single market rate regardless of where the employee lives. Understanding the specific policy before negotiating is important.
Go into any salary conversation knowing the range for your specific role, experience level, and location rather than a general average. Anchoring to a specific range backed by market data is more effective than stating a single number.
Check the company directory on BrokeHustle before your conversation. Understanding the employer's stage and industry gives you context about their flexibility. For a full walkthrough of the negotiation conversation itself, read the BrokeHustle salary negotiation guide.
At most companies, formal salary reviews happen annually. Engineers who change jobs typically see the largest increases, often 15 to 30 percent above their current salary. Internal promotions tend to move more slowly.
At large technology companies, a degree from a recognised institution often determines which hiring track you enter. At most other employers, demonstrated skills and a portfolio of relevant work matter more than educational background.
Stock options or RSUs, pension or 401k matching, health insurance, annual bonus targets, and remote work allowances can add 20 to 40 percent to the value of a base salary. When comparing offers, calculate total compensation rather than base salary alone.
Browse thousands of live job listings or upload your resume for AI-powered matching.