Software Engineer Salary in Seattle, WA
How much does a software engineer make in Seattle? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Seattle's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
See how software engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Seattle.
| Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $106,348 | $169,340 | $229,058 |
| Monthly | $8,862 | $14,112 | $19,088 |
| Biweekly | $4,090 | $6,513 | $8,810 |
| Weekly | $2,045 | $3,257 | $4,405 |
| Hourly | $51 | $81 | $110 |
Seattle vs National Average
How Seattle's software engineer salaries compare to national figures.
Cost of Living in Seattle
About Software Engineer
Overview
Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field
Key Skills
Growth Rate
Expected job growth: +25% over the next decade
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Financial Tools to Explore
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Software Engineer Salary in Seattle, WA — Complete Guide
Median Salary Overview
The median salary for a software engineer in Seattle, WA is $169,340 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 147. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Seattle's unique economic conditions.
Salary Range and Experience Levels
Entry-level software engineer professionals in Seattle can expect to earn around $106,348 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level software engineers earning approximately $229,058 per year. This represents a 115% increase from entry to senior level.
Cost of Living Adjustment
Seattle's cost of living index of 147 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Seattle 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 Seattle typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,100 per month, housing represents about 14.9% 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 Seattle, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.