2025 Software Engineering Tech Salary Guide

A good salary in software engineering continues to vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, location, and specific skills. According to the 2025 salary guide, the average salary ranges for software engineers are as follows: 

• Mid-level Software Engineers earn between $107,322 and $137,804. 

• Senior Software Engineers earn between $130,486 and $164,034. 

 
In high-demand tech hubs like Seattle and San Francisco, these figures can be significantly higher due to increased demand and cost of living. 
 
Moreover, the growth in salary varies across different job specializations within software engineering: 

Back End Developers: Salaries range from $117,873 to $150,488 for mid-level, and $140,311 to $174,892 for senior-level. 

Golang Developers: Experience the most significant increase, with mid-level salaries ranging from $144,444 to $186,666, and senior-level from $150,113 to $195,909. 

Node.js Developers: Have salaries ranging from $119,333 to $146,447 for mid-level, and $138,137 to $171,509 for senior-level. 

Front End Developers: Mid-level earn between $111,010 and $138,518, and senior-level earn between $122,140 and $161,197. 

 
These figures highlight the diverse opportunities and compensation packages available within the software engineering field, encouraging professionals to continually enhance their skillsets and explore various technology areas. 
 

The software engineering job with the highest salary is .Net Architect, with a senior-level salary range from $153,333 to $210,000. 
 

The average salary for a 5-year experienced Software Engineer in 2025, considered a mid-level position, ranges from $107,322 to $137,804.

In 2024, software engineering salaries did see an increase. For mid-level positions, Software Engineers earned between $107,322 and $137,804, while senior-level Software Engineers earned between $130,486 and $164,034. Additionally, Software Architects saw a range from $163,333 to $201,205, indicating a significant increase in their salary bracket, highlighting the continuing positive trend in compensation for higher-level roles. 

In 2025, a Software Engineer's salary can vary based on experience level. For mid-level Software Engineers, salaries range from $107,322 to $137,804, while senior-level Software Engineers can earn between $130,486 and $164,034 

The growth in software engineering in 2024 was influenced by several factors: 
 
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Integration: AI continued to be a major influencer in the tech industry, with AI and Machine Learning remaining central to discussions in the tech world for the third consecutive year. Contrary to early concerns, these technologies have not replaced jobs but have instead catalyzed the creation of new roles. AI's influence led to increased job opportunities, with 48% of organizations adding personnel both within and outside of IT due to AI-related developments.  
 
Demand for AI-Related Skills: The job postings for AI skills saw a significant increase, with a 267% year-over-year jump from early 2023 through early 2024. This demand extended beyond tech-specific companies, demonstrating AI’s expansive influence on hiring trends. Organizations were also willing to offer top salaries for roles involving AI and Machine Learning, which significantly boosted compensation for tech professionals possessing these skills. 
 
Economic Growth and Tech Talent Requirements: Despite broader economic uncertainties, there was a continued demand for qualified tech talent. Companies across industries were eager to leverage technological advancements, including AI, for sustained business growth, thereby sustaining the demand for skilled software engineers. 
 
These trends combined to shape the Software Engineering landscape throughout 2024, reflecting a continued adaptation and growth influenced heavily by the integration of artificial intelligence technologies. 
 

According to the Motion Recruitment Salary Guide, crucial skills for a career in software engineering in 2025 are: 

• Programming Skills: Proficiency in languages like JavaScript, Python, C#, Java, and SQL remains vital. These continue to be foundational for software development in various applications. 

• Understanding of Cloud Technologies: As cloud-based technologies expand, skills in platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and others are becoming increasingly important. 

• Web Frameworks and Technologies: Proficiency with React, Angular, Vue.js, and ASP.NET Core remains significant for developing modern web applications. 

• Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to break down complex problems and devise efficient solutions continues to be key. 

• Collaboration and Communication: Teamwork and communication skills are as crucial as ever in this collaborative field. 

• Version Control: Expertise with systems such as Git for code management and collaboration with teams remains fundamental. 

• Testing and Debugging: Ensuring software reliability through testing and debugging is still essential. 

• Continuous Learning: Staying updated with the latest technology trends remains critical. This includes being aware of emerging areas such as AI integration and automation trends. 

These evolving skills reflect the ongoing transformations within the tech industry and highlight the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of software engineering roles. 
 

The long-term prospects for software engineering in 2025 continue to look promising, driven significantly by the integration and impact of AI within the tech industry. For the third consecutive year, AI and Machine Learning have been pivotal in shaping the IT sector. While initial fears suggested that AI might replace existing jobs, this concern has not materialized in the expected manner. Instead, AI and Machine Learning have led to an increase in job opportunities, serving as catalysts for creating new roles rather than simply displacing existing ones. 
 
A significant trend is the demand for AI-related skills across various industries, not just within tech-specific companies. In 2024, job postings that directly related to generative AI skills experienced a substantial year-over-year increase, indicating a robust market for software engineers equipped with these capabilities. 
 
Moreover, businesses are increasingly committing resources to attract AI talent, with roles related to AI and Machine Learning being among the highest-paid in the tech sector. This includes the rising popularity of roles such as "Head of AI," tasked with integrating AI effectively into organizations. 
 
Overall, software engineering is expected to benefit from the ongoing AI revolution, with adaptability and continuous learning being essential to navigate and thrive in this evolving landscape.