Software Engineer Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The median software engineer salary in Philadelphia, PA is $129,168 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 6.1% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)
Philadelphia offers a median software engineer salary of $129,168, which is $7,452 above the Pennsylvania state average of $121,716. Compared to the national median of $124,200, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.
Philadelphia'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 Philadelphia spans from $77,584 at the 10th percentile to $206,523 at the 90th percentile — a $128,939 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,120, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $192,400. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.
Software Engineer Salary in Philadelphia by Experience
In Philadelphia, an entry-level software engineer earns around $81,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $192,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA
| Percentile | Philadelphia |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $77,584 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,128 |
| Median (50th) | $129,168 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,528 |
| 90th Percentile | $206,523 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Philadelphia
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia
Browse open software engineer positions in Philadelphia, PA: