Software Engineer Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia
The median software engineer salary in Chesapeake, VA is $131,652 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 5.4% below the Virginia state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Chesapeake: What to Expect (2026)
Chesapeake offers a median software engineer salary of $131,652, which is $7,452 below the Virginia state average of $139,104. Compared to the national median of $124,200, Chesapeake pays above average for this role.
Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $79,076 at the 10th percentile to $210,495 at the 90th percentile — a $131,419 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $82,680, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $196,100. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Software Engineer Salary in Chesapeake by Experience
In Chesapeake, an entry-level software engineer earns around $82,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $196,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA
| Percentile | Chesapeake |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $79,076 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,092 |
| Median (50th) | $131,652 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,692 |
| 90th Percentile | $210,495 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other Virginia Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Chesapeake
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Chesapeake
Browse open software engineer positions in Chesapeake, VA: