
Some top software engineers earn more than $1 million per year. Which employers pay software engineers more than $1 million? Where do you fall on the level spectrum? If you're just starting out, use this list of equivalent base levels at some of the biggest software engineer employers: The majority of software engineers fall somewhere between 元 and L5 (or the equivalent). In order to get the highest-paying job possible, you need to know your level. In other words, your level can determine the entire trajectory of your career. A higher level means more seniority and higher pay. Microsoft has an entirely different leveling system that starts at Level 59 for software development engineers and tops out at Level 80 for so-called "technical fellows" who lead the field.Īlthough the exact ranking method differs between employers, the end result is the same. Google starts its entry-level engineers at Level 3, while at Apple, engineers are divided into five levels ranging from ICT2 up to ICT6. The answer depends on your level of experience.Įvery major employer uses some kind of level-based system to rank their software engineers. Whether you're a recent coding bootcamp graduate or a mid-career software engineer, the question is the same: Where should you look for the highest-paid software engineer position?


A handful of senior coders can even command millions.

The amount you'll be paid depends heavily on your experience, your negotiating skills, and your choice of employer.Įxperienced software engineers working at the right company can bring home several hundred thousand dollars per year. But actual compensation varies widely from one employer to the next. The average base pay for a software engineer is $89,201 per year, according to an anonymous Glassdoor survey.
