Software Engineer Salary Breakdown — Gross vs. Take-Home
National median: $130,160/year. After federal taxes (single filer), that's $99,717/year take-home — 23.4% effective rate.
Software Engineer Salary After Federal Tax by Experience Level
Take-home calculated for single filer, federal taxes only (no state income tax baseline).
| Level | Gross Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $85,000 | $68,184 | $5,682 | 19.8% |
| 25th Percentile | $99,000 | $78,033 | $6,503 | 21.2% |
| MedianBLS Median | $130,160 | $99,717 | $8,310 | 23.4% |
| 75th Percentile | $168,000 | $125,581 | $10,465 | 25.2% |
| 90th Percentile | $220,000 | $163,049 | $13,587 | 25.9% |
| Senior Level | $185,000 | $137,752 | $11,479 | 25.5% |
Software Engineer Take-Home Pay by State
Salary figures adjusted for state cost of living and local market rates. Single filer.
| State | Est. Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $159,771 | $107,117 | $8,926 | 33.0% |
| Washington | $148,382 | $112,172 | $9,348 | 24.4% |
| New York | $171,486 | $118,815 | $9,901 | 30.7% |
| Texas | $140,898 | $107,057 | $8,921 | 24.0% |
| Massachusetts | $155,541 | $109,288 | $9,107 | 29.7% |
About This Career
Software engineers design, develop, and maintain applications and systems across every industry. The BLS projects 25% job growth through 2032 — far faster than average — driven by cloud computing, AI integration, and ongoing digital transformation across sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Engineer salary in the US?+
The national median Software Engineer salary is $130,160 per year (BLS data). The middle 50% of earners fall between $99,000 and $168,000, while the top 10% earn over $220,000.
How much does a Software Engineer take home after taxes?+
A Software Engineer earning the median $130,160 takes home approximately $99,717 after federal taxes (single filer, assuming no state income tax). Add state taxes to get a more precise figure for your location.
Where do Software Engineers earn the most?+
The highest-paying states for Software Engineers are California, Washington, New York. Top cities include San Francisco, Seattle, New York City, where salaries can exceed $168,000 for experienced professionals.