Software Engineer Salary in Salem, Oregon
The median software engineer salary in Salem, OR is $134,136 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 6.9% below the Oregon state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Salem: What to Expect (2026)
Salem offers a median software engineer salary of $134,136, which is $9,936 below the Oregon state average of $144,072. Compared to the national median of $124,200, Salem pays above average for this role.
Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $80,568 at the 10th percentile to $214,466 at the 90th percentile — a $133,898 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $84,240, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $199,800. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Software Engineer Salary in Salem by Experience
In Salem, an entry-level software engineer earns around $84,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $199,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR
| Percentile | Salem |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $80,568 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,056 |
| Median (50th) | $134,136 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,856 |
| 90th Percentile | $214,466 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other Oregon Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Salem
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Salem and the surrounding Oregon 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 Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Salem
Browse open software engineer positions in Salem, OR: