Technology Missouri (MO) Rank #36 of 50

Software Engineer Salary in Missouri

The median software engineer salary in Missouri is $109,296 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $124,200.

Median Salary
$109,296
vs National
$-14,904
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Software Engineer Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #36 out of 50 states for software engineer compensation. Software Engineer salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $109,296 per year, software engineers in Missouri earn $14,904 less than the national median of $124,200.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $109,296 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $124,200 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: software engineers at the 10th percentile earn $65,648, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $174,750 — a $109,102 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $114,264.

Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Missouri and beyond.

Software Engineer Salary in Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level software engineer earns around $68,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,800 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,640
$-9,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,000
$-15,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,800
$-22,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $65,648
25th Percentile $86,416
Median (50th) $109,296
75th Percentile $139,216
90th Percentile $174,750

Software Engineer Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for software engineers in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Software Engineer in Missouri

Education

Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Missouri has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PythonJavaScriptSQLGitCloud PlatformsSystem Design

Job Outlook in Missouri

Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Missouri's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Software Engineer Salary in Missouri

How much does a Software Engineer make in Missouri? ▼
The median software engineer salary in Missouri is $109,296 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $124,200. Salaries range from $65,648 (10th percentile) to $174,750 (90th percentile).
How much does a Software Engineer make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $109,296, a software engineer in Missouri earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for software engineers? ▼
Missouri ranks #36 out of 50 states for software engineer pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level software engineers earn $68,640, while senior professionals earn $162,800.
How does Missouri compare to other states for software engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for software engineers is Hawaii at $204,930. Missouri's median of $109,296 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($110,538) and Indiana ($109,296).
What is the entry-level software engineer salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level software engineer in Missouri earns approximately $68,640 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $110,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $162,800.
What city in Missouri pays software engineers the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for software engineers, with a median salary of $114,264. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.