Software Engineer Salary in Arlington, Virginia
The median software engineer salary in Arlington, VA is $173,880 per year, which is 40.0% above the national median and 25.0% above the Virginia state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)
Arlington offers a median software engineer salary of $173,880, which is $34,776 above the Virginia state average of $139,104. Compared to the national median of $124,200, Arlington pays above average for this role.
However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $173,880 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $131,727. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for software engineers in Arlington spans from $104,440 at the 10th percentile to $278,012 at the 90th percentile — a $173,572 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $109,200, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $259,000. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Software Engineer Salary in Arlington by Experience
In Arlington, an entry-level software engineer earns around $109,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $259,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA
| Percentile | Arlington |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $104,440 |
| 25th Percentile | $137,480 |
| Median (50th) | $173,880 |
| 75th Percentile | $221,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $278,012 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other Virginia Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Arlington
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia 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 Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Arlington
Browse open software engineer positions in Arlington, VA: