Software Engineer Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania
The median software engineer salary in Reading, PA is $111,780 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 8.2% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)
Reading offers a median software engineer salary of $111,780, which is $9,936 below the Pennsylvania state average of $121,716. Compared to the national median of $124,200, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $111,780 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $127,023 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for software engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for software engineers in Reading 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. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Software Engineer Salary in Reading by Experience
In Reading, 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 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA
| Percentile | Reading |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $67,140 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,380 |
| Median (50th) | $111,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,380 |
| 90th Percentile | $178,722 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Reading
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Reading 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 Reading may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Reading
Browse open software engineer positions in Reading, PA: