Software Engineer Salary in Louisville, Kentucky
The median software engineer salary in Louisville, KY is $109,296 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 6.0% above the Kentucky state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Louisville: What to Expect (2026)
Louisville offers a median software engineer salary of $109,296, which is $6,210 above the Kentucky state average of $103,086. Compared to the national median of $124,200, Louisville pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Louisville's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for software engineers in Louisville spans from $65,648 at the 10th percentile to $174,750 at the 90th percentile — a $109,102 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,640, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,800. As a major metro area with a population of 633,045, Louisville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.
Software Engineer Salary in Louisville by Experience
In Louisville, an entry-level software engineer earns around $68,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Louisville, KY
| Percentile | Louisville |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $65,648 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,416 |
| Median (50th) | $109,296 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,216 |
| 90th Percentile | $174,750 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other Kentucky Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Louisville
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Louisville and the surrounding Kentucky area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Louisville may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Louisville
Browse open software engineer positions in Louisville, KY: