Software Engineer Salary in Grand Rapids, MI: $111,780 (2026)

Software Engineer Pay in Grand Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Rapids offers a median software engineer salary of $111,780, which is $0 above the Michigan state average of $111,780. Compared to the national median of $124,200, Grand Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Grand Rapids's cost of living is 90% 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 Grand Rapids spans from $67,140 at the 10th percentile to $178,722 at the 90th percentile — a $111,582 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,200, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $166,500. With a population of 198,917, Grand Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Software Engineer Salary in Grand Rapids by Experience

In Grand Rapids, an entry-level software engineer earns around $70,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $166,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$70,200

$-7,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$112,500

$-12,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$166,500

$-18,500 vs national

Percentile	Grand Rapids	MI State	National
10th Percentile	$67,140	$67,140	$74,600
25th Percentile	$88,380	$88,380	$98,200
Median (50th)	$111,780	$111,780	$124,200
75th Percentile	$142,380	$142,380	$158,200
90th Percentile	$178,722	$178,722	$198,580

Percentile

Grand Rapids

10th Percentile

$67,140

25th Percentile

$88,380

Median (50th)

$111,780

75th Percentile

$142,380

90th Percentile

$178,722

How to Become a Software Engineer in Grand Rapids

Education

Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Grand Rapids and the surrounding Michigan area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PythonJavaScriptSQLGitCloud PlatformsSystem Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Grand Rapids may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Software Engineer Salary in Grand Rapids

How much does a Software Engineer make in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼

The median software engineer salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan is $111,780 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $124,200. Salaries range from $67,140 (10th percentile) to $178,722 (90th percentile).

How much does a Software Engineer make per hour in Grand Rapids? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $111,780, a software engineer in Grand Rapids earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Grand Rapids compare to the Michigan state average for software engineer pay? ▼

Grand Rapids's median software engineer salary of $111,780 is 0.0% above the Michigan state average of $111,780. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼

Grand Rapids has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a software engineer salary of $111,780 in Grand Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a software engineer in Grand Rapids? ▼

Most software engineer positions in Grand Rapids require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Python, JavaScript, SQL, Git. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.

Software Engineer Salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan