Software Engineer Salary in Seattle, Washington
The median software engineer salary in Seattle, WA is $198,720 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 26.0% above the Washington state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Seattle: What to Expect (2026)
Seattle offers a median software engineer salary of $198,720, which is $40,986 above the Washington state average of $157,734. Compared to the national median of $124,200, Seattle pays above average for this role.
However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $198,720 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $134,270. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for software engineers in Seattle spans from $119,360 at the 10th percentile to $317,728 at the 90th percentile — a $198,368 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $124,800, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $296,000. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.
Software Engineer Salary in Seattle by Experience
In Seattle, an entry-level software engineer earns around $124,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $296,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA
| Percentile | Seattle |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $119,360 |
| 25th Percentile | $157,120 |
| Median (50th) | $198,720 |
| 75th Percentile | $253,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $317,728 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other Washington Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Seattle
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Seattle and the surrounding Washington 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 Seattle may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle
Browse open software engineer positions in Seattle, WA: