Software Engineer Salary in Texas
The median software engineer salary in Texas is $121,716 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $124,200.
Software Engineer Salary Overview in Texas (2026)
Texas ranks #23 out of 50 states for software engineer compensation. Texas falls in the middle of the pack for software engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $121,716 per year, software engineers in Texas earn $2,484 less than the national median of $124,200.
A key advantage of working in Texas is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $121,716 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $132,300 in an average-cost area.
The salary spread in Texas is significant: software engineers at the 10th percentile earn $73,108, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $194,608 — a $121,500 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Texas for this role is Austin, where the median reaches $137,862.
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 Texas and beyond.
Software Engineer Salary in Texas by Experience
In Texas, an entry-level software engineer earns around $76,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $181,300 per year. The cost of living index in Texas is 92% of the national average.
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View Offers You Qualify For →Salary Percentiles in Texas
| Percentile | TX Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $73,108 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,236 |
| Median (50th) | $121,716 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,036 |
| 90th Percentile | $194,608 |
Software Engineer Salary by City in Texas
The largest employment areas for software engineers in Texas include Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.
How to Become a Software Engineer in Texas
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Texas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook in Texas
Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Texas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.
Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay
Data shows Software Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $59,584 over your career trajectory.
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