Software Engineer Salary in Norfolk, Virginia
The median software engineer salary in Norfolk, VA is $129,168 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 7.1% below the Virginia state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Norfolk: What to Expect (2026)
Norfolk offers a median software engineer salary of $129,168, which is $9,936 below the Virginia state average of $139,104. Compared to the national median of $124,200, Norfolk pays above average for this role.
Norfolk's cost of living is 96% 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 Norfolk 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. With a population of 238,005, Norfolk is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Software Engineer Salary in Norfolk by Experience
In Norfolk, 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 96% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Norfolk, VA
| Percentile | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| 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 Virginia Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Norfolk
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Norfolk 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 Norfolk may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Norfolk
Browse open software engineer positions in Norfolk, VA: