Software Engineer Salary in Cleveland, Ohio
The median software engineer salary in Cleveland, OH is $106,812 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Ohio state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Cleveland: What to Expect (2026)
Cleveland offers a median software engineer salary of $106,812, which is $4,968 below the Ohio state average of $111,780. Compared to the national median of $124,200, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $106,812 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $124,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for software engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for software engineers in Cleveland spans from $64,156 at the 10th percentile to $170,779 at the 90th percentile — a $106,623 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,080, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,100. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Software Engineer Salary in Cleveland by Experience
In Cleveland, an entry-level software engineer earns around $67,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Cleveland, OH
| Percentile | Cleveland |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $64,156 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,452 |
| Median (50th) | $106,812 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,052 |
| 90th Percentile | $170,779 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other Ohio Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Cleveland
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio 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 Cleveland may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Cleveland
Browse open software engineer positions in Cleveland, OH: