Software Development Engineer Salary in 2024

💰 The median Software Development Engineer Salary in 2024 is USD 169,600

✏️ This salary info is based on 320 individual salaries reported during 2024

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Salary details

The average Software Development Engineer salary lies between USD 122,400 and USD 223,600 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Job title
Software Development Engineer
Experience
all levels
Region
global/worldwide
Salary year
2024
Sample size
320
Top 10%
$ 282,200
Top 25%
$ 223,600
Median
$ 169,600
Bottom 25%
$ 122,400
Bottom 10%
$ 97,344

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated:

Top 20 Job Tags for Software Development Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Software Development Engineer job listings are Engineering, Python and Machine Learning. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Engineering | 363 jobs Python | 355 jobs Machine Learning | 340 jobs Computer Science | 338 jobs Testing | 241 jobs Architecture | 218 jobs Java | 217 jobs Agile | 177 jobs AWS | 171 jobs Security | 141 jobs Research | 140 jobs APIs | 129 jobs SQL | 113 jobs Kubernetes | 103 jobs Azure | 101 jobs Distributed Systems | 100 jobs Linux | 99 jobs Pipelines | 99 jobs Docker | 95 jobs Big Data | 94 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Software Development Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Software Development Engineer job listings are Career development, Equity / stock options and Health care. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 397 jobs Equity / stock options | 199 jobs Health care | 162 jobs Startup environment | 154 jobs Competitive pay | 110 jobs Medical leave | 108 jobs Team events | 104 jobs Insurance | 90 jobs Flex hours | 88 jobs Salary bonus | 76 jobs Parental leave | 64 jobs Flex vacation | 58 jobs Relocation support | 40 jobs 401(k) matching | 31 jobs Conferences | 29 jobs Flexible spending account | 26 jobs Transparency | 23 jobs Signing bonus | 22 jobs Wellness | 14 jobs Gear | 14 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Software Development Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises several components. The fixed base salary is the primary component, often constituting 60-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses, which can be performance-based or company-wide, usually account for 10-20%. Additional remuneration may include stock options, especially in tech companies, which can significantly increase total compensation. The composition can vary by region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York may offer higher base salaries and stock options, while smaller companies might offer more in bonuses to attract talent.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from this position, consider the following steps:

  • Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in emerging AI/ML technologies and tools.
  • Advanced Education: Pursue a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field to open up higher-paying opportunities.
  • Leadership Roles: Transition into managerial or lead roles, which typically offer higher salaries.
  • Industry Switch: Consider moving to industries with higher pay scales, such as finance or healthcare.
  • Networking: Build a strong professional network to learn about higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. is often preferred, especially for roles involving complex algorithm development or research. These advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of machine learning models, data analysis, and statistical methods.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile:

  • Certified Machine Learning Professional (CMLP)
  • AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
  • Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate

These certifications demonstrate expertise in specific platforms and tools, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Required Experience

Typically, 3-5 years of experience in software development or a related field is required. Experience in AI/ML projects, data analysis, and familiarity with programming languages like Python, R, or Java is crucial. Experience with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch is also highly valued.

Related salaries

Software Development Engineer @ $ 184,650 (global) - Senior-level / Expert Details
Software Development Engineer @ $ 125,846 (global) - Entry-level / Junior Details
Software Development Engineer @ $ 147,500 (global) - Mid-level / Intermediate Details
Software Development Engineer @ $ 185,200 (United States) - Senior-level / Expert Details
Software Development Engineer @ $ 125,846 (United States) - Entry-level / Junior Details
Software Development Engineer @ $ 174,500 (United States) Details
Software Development Engineer @ $ 150,700 (United States) - Mid-level / Intermediate Details
Software Development Engineer @ $ 112,400 (Canada) - Mid-level / Intermediate Details
Software Development Engineer @ $ 115,150 (Canada) Details

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