More Than $100k: How Much Do Entry-Level Software Engineers Make?

Computers and people need to communicate – and software engineers are the in-demand coding “translators” who keep the conversations going. Whether it’s developing websites and applications, making data understandable and usable, or just keeping the “computing lights on,” the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 153,900 openings for software engineers each year for the next decade. But what can they expect for a beginning salary as a new-grad software engineer?

Knowledge, experience, industry and company, and location all influence a software engineering starting salary – let’s see how.

Knowledge‍

Software engineers need in-depth understanding of at least one programming language. There are hundreds from which to choose – each with unique characteristics and software engineering applications.

Mastering several languages doesn’t automatically ensure a higher salary but it does make a software engineer more valuable to a company that wants a skilled generalist. Fortunately, there are some programming languages that are relatively easy to learn (you can read more about them here_{How Long Does It Take to Learn Coding from Scratch?}).‍

Entry-level need-to-knows

The foundation for more advanced skills – like gathering, design, testing, and deployment – include:

• Data types and functions
• Familiarity with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and version control systems
• Identifying and fixing common coding errors and bugs

But even more important are the “soft skills”_{The Soft Skills Software Engineers Need and Why} a software engineer should have to help them navigate and make the most of their professional life: interpersonal communication, time management, self-motivation and more.

You’ll discover a whole new world of exciting career opportunities, creative ventures, knowledge, and valuable skills that this modern world depends on. You’ll find your place in this crazy world of tech and discover the unique style, passion, and purpose you bring to this community. Britney Lunte, Software Engineering Bootcamp Student

Experience‍

The pay range for a full-time software engineer is broad – and it expands with professional experience, as you move up from junior to more senior positions. According to Glassdoor’s data, the total average annual entry-level software engineer salary in the United States ranges from $86K-156K, while an experienced software engineer can expect that to jump to $110K-194K (understanding that your mileage may vary depending upon the job salary data aggregator).

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Career and salary growth go side by side

Taking on more responsibilities – like project and people management – acquiring more knowledge, and standard cost of living increases all contribute to a higher salary. With that in mind, your career/salary path could look something like this:

Industry and Company‍

You love technology – but what’s your passion? Odds are, there’s an industry that can marry both. Software engineers are in demand across all sectors and companies – and some pay more than others, even for Look at CIO’s top industries for software engineers:

TripleTen has compiled a list of the top 18 companies for software engineer salary_{The Top 18 Companies That Pay Software Engineers the Most in 2024} – maybe one of them could be your entry-level foot in the door? 

TripleTen has offered more than what I read on any online review. They foster a strong sense of community and provide excellent support. I am building on the right skills to switch career paths and, upon completion, will be able to say with confidence I have what it takes to be a business intelligence analyst. Amy Maldonado, Business Intelligence Analytics Bootcamp student

Location

The rule of thumb in real estate applies to software engineer jobs and salaries: location, location, location. 

Tech industry website Built In offers insight into software engineer salaries in the United States – and it’s unsurprising that the highest salaries are in locations where the leading tech companies have their core presence.

Do software engineers have to follow the money? Not necessarily.

Remote job opportunities let entry-level and experienced software engineers find positions that align with their skills, interests anywhere in the world.

Developer assessment company CodeSubmit offers this list of the top-ten countries for software engineer pay.

However, it’s critical to point out that the world’s tech giants – Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, Amazon and others – are primarily US based. As a rule, these companies offer the highest salaries and most attractive working terms.

How to become a software engineer?‍

Maybe you haven’t started on a career path – or maybe the one you’re on is unfulfilling. You don’t need a degree in computer science and a mental warehouse of programming languages to become a software engineer. All you need to get started is a desire to learn and do new things – and a few months of commitment to TripleTen's Software Engineering Bootcamp.

Our ten-month program teaches you how to write code in several programming languages and work in other programs. You’ll be surrounded by an education support team of software engineering professionals who’ve been where you are – and are dedicated to your success. TripleTen gives you skills beyond the software: You’ll learn how to find and succeed in your new career. 

Are you ready to get coding? Then let’s get started. Contact TripleTen today. 

TripleTen helped me bridge the gap from being a creative producer to a more data/logical role. For anyone who’s considering a bootcamp, definitely do your research, mentally prepare yourself – especially if you’re coming from a completely different background. But that being said, if I can do it, anyone can do it. AC Slamet, Business Intelligence Analytics Bootcamp grad