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Software Engineer Salary in Charlotte, NC

How much does a software engineer make in Charlotte? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Charlotte's cost of living.

Median Salary
$132,100
per year in Charlotte
Entry Level
$82,961
Starting salary
Senior Level
$178,686
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
108
8% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how software engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Charlotte.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$82,961$132,100$178,686
Monthly$6,913$11,008$14,891
Biweekly$3,191$5,081$6,873
Weekly$1,595$2,540$3,436
Hourly$40$64$86

Charlotte vs National Average

How Charlotte's software engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Charlotte Salary
$132,100
COL Index: 108
National Average
$112,110
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$19,990
Higher in Charlotte

Cost of Living in Charlotte

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,500
per month
Median Income
$61,340
per year
Population
885,708
residents
Rent % of Income
29.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 108 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Charlotte have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Software Engineer

Overview

Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Key Skills

JavaScriptPythonSystem DesignAlgorithms

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +25% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Software Engineer Salary

See Software Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$161,970
+23%
Los Angeles, CA
$155,330
+18%
Chicago, IL
$130,030
-2%
Houston, TX
$127,940
-3%
Phoenix, AZ
$129,600
-2%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a software engineer salary in Charlotte.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Software Engineer Salary in Charlotte, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a software engineer in Charlotte, NC is $132,100 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 108. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Charlotte's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level software engineer professionals in Charlotte can expect to earn around $82,961 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level software engineers earning approximately $178,686 per year. This represents a 115% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Charlotte's cost of living index of 108 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Charlotte are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,110, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a software engineer's salary in Charlotte typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,500 per month, housing represents about 13.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Software Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 25% over the next decade. In Charlotte, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.