Software Development Engineer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Software Development Engineer salary lies between USD 127,000 and USD 223,600 in the United States. 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.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 22, 2024

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 | 371 jobs Python | 363 jobs Machine Learning | 346 jobs Computer Science | 343 jobs Testing | 246 jobs Architecture | 226 jobs Java | 223 jobs Agile | 184 jobs AWS | 177 jobs Security | 147 jobs Research | 141 jobs APIs | 133 jobs SQL | 119 jobs Kubernetes | 109 jobs Azure | 106 jobs Distributed Systems | 105 jobs Docker | 102 jobs Linux | 100 jobs Pipelines | 99 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 | 404 jobs Equity / stock options | 203 jobs Health care | 166 jobs Startup environment | 154 jobs Competitive pay | 111 jobs Medical leave | 108 jobs Team events | 105 jobs Insurance | 94 jobs Flex hours | 89 jobs Salary bonus | 80 jobs Parental leave | 64 jobs Flex vacation | 59 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

In the United States, the salary composition for a Software Development Engineer specializing in AI/ML/Data Science typically includes a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary is the fixed component and usually constitutes the majority of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s policy and individual performance, often ranging from 10% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech companies or startups and can significantly increase the total compensation, especially if the company performs well. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market. Industry-wise, tech companies, financial services, and healthcare tend to offer higher compensation packages compared to other sectors.

Increasing Salary

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update and expand your skill set, particularly in emerging AI/ML technologies and tools. Specializing in niche areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision can make you more valuable.
• Advanced Education: Pursuing a master's or Ph.D. in a related field can open up higher-level positions and increase earning potential.
• Leadership Roles: Transitioning into managerial or lead roles can significantly boost your salary. This involves developing soft skills such as team management, communication, and strategic planning.
• Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to opportunities in higher-paying companies or roles.
• Certifications: Obtaining relevant certifications can demonstrate expertise and commitment, potentially leading to salary increases.

Educational Requirements

Most positions for a Software Development Engineer in AI/ML/Data Science require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or higher, especially for roles involving complex algorithm development or research. A strong foundation in programming, statistics, and machine learning principles is essential.

Helpful Certifications

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

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

These certifications can validate your skills in specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Experience Requirements

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in software development, with a focus on AI/ML or data science projects. Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, or Java, and familiarity with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn is often required. Experience in deploying machine learning models in production environments is highly valued.

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