Software Engineer Salaries in 2026
Comprehensive compensation data for FAANG, Big Tech, and top startups. Compare base salary, equity, and total compensation by level and company.
Methodology & sources
The figures on this page are approximate ranges compiled from publicly reported compensation data — levels.fyi, Glassdoor, and H-1B salary disclosures — as of March 2026. Total compensation = base salary + equity + bonus. Actual offers vary by location, team, negotiation, and stock performance.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Avg Entry Salary (US)
$180K–$250K
Avg Senior Salary (US)
$370K–$550K
Avg Entry Salary (India)
₹20L–₹35L
Avg Senior (India)
₹50L–₹1Cr
FAANG & Big Tech Salaries (US)
| Level | Base Salary | Equity/yr | Total Comp* |
|---|---|---|---|
| L3 (Entry) | $130K–$158K | $40K–$80K/yr | $190K–$260K |
| L4 (Mid) | $155K–$185K | $80K–$150K/yr | $270K–$380K |
| L5 (Senior) | $185K–$230K | $150K–$250K/yr | $380K–$550K |
| L6 (Staff) | $230K–$280K | $250K–$450K/yr | $550K–$850K |
* Approximate ranges from public data (levels.fyi, Glassdoor, H-1B disclosures), as of March 2026.
Meta
| Level | Base Salary | Equity/yr | Total Comp* |
|---|---|---|---|
| E3 (Entry) | $125K–$152K | $40K–$75K/yr | $185K–$250K |
| E4 (Mid) | $152K–$185K | $75K–$140K/yr | $260K–$370K |
| E5 (Senior) | $185K–$230K | $140K–$280K/yr | $370K–$570K |
| E6 (Staff) | $230K–$280K | $280K–$500K/yr | $570K–$900K |
* Approximate ranges from public data (levels.fyi, Glassdoor, H-1B disclosures), as of March 2026.
Amazon
| Level | Base Salary | Equity/yr | Total Comp* |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDE I | $120K–$148K | $20K–$40K/yr | $160K–$220K |
| SDE II | $148K–$185K | $40K–$100K/yr | $220K–$340K |
| SDE III (Senior) | $170K–$210K | $100K–$200K/yr | $320K–$480K |
| Principal | $200K–$260K | $200K–$400K/yr | $480K–$780K |
* Approximate ranges from public data (levels.fyi, Glassdoor, H-1B disclosures), as of March 2026.
Apple
| Level | Base Salary | Equity/yr | Total Comp* |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICT2 (Entry) | $130K–$155K | $30K–$60K/yr | $175K–$240K |
| ICT3 (Mid) | $155K–$190K | $60K–$120K/yr | $245K–$350K |
| ICT4 (Senior) | $185K–$230K | $120K–$230K/yr | $350K–$520K |
| ICT5 (Staff) | $230K–$270K | $230K–$400K/yr | $520K–$800K |
* Approximate ranges from public data (levels.fyi, Glassdoor, H-1B disclosures), as of March 2026.
Microsoft
| Level | Base Salary | Equity/yr | Total Comp* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59–60 (Entry) | $115K–$140K | $20K–$45K/yr | $150K–$210K |
| 61–62 (Mid) | $140K–$175K | $45K–$90K/yr | $210K–$300K |
| 63–64 (Senior) | $170K–$215K | $90K–$180K/yr | $300K–$450K |
| 65–67 (Principal) | $215K–$270K | $180K–$350K/yr | $450K–$700K |
* Approximate ranges from public data (levels.fyi, Glassdoor, H-1B disclosures), as of March 2026.
Netflix
| Level | Base Salary | Equity/yr | Total Comp* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer | $200K–$300K | Choice (salary or options) | $250K–$400K |
| Senior Engineer | $300K–$450K | Choice (salary or options) | $400K–$650K |
| Staff Engineer | $400K–$550K | Choice (salary or options) | $550K–$800K |
* Approximate ranges from public data (levels.fyi, Glassdoor, H-1B disclosures), as of March 2026.
Top Tech Salaries (India)
Google India
| Level | Total Comp (Annual)* |
|---|---|
| L3 (Entry) | ₹25L–₹40L |
| L4 (Mid) | ₹40L–₹65L |
| L5 (Senior) | ₹65L–₹1.1Cr |
* Approximate ranges from public data (levels.fyi, Glassdoor, H-1B disclosures), as of March 2026.
Amazon India
| Level | Total Comp (Annual)* |
|---|---|
| SDE I | ₹18L–₹30L |
| SDE II | ₹30L–₹50L |
| SDE III | ₹50L–₹85L |
* Approximate ranges from public data (levels.fyi, Glassdoor, H-1B disclosures), as of March 2026.
Microsoft India
| Level | Total Comp (Annual)* |
|---|---|
| 59–60 | ₹18L–₹28L |
| 61–62 | ₹28L–₹48L |
| 63–64 | ₹48L–₹80L |
* Approximate ranges from public data (levels.fyi, Glassdoor, H-1B disclosures), as of March 2026.
Flipkart
| Level | Total Comp (Annual)* |
|---|---|
| SDE 1 | ₹18L–₹28L |
| SDE 2 | ₹28L–₹45L |
| SDE 3 | ₹45L–₹70L |
* Approximate ranges from public data (levels.fyi, Glassdoor, H-1B disclosures), as of March 2026.
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Get Started with PhantomCodeAIUnderstanding Software Engineer Compensation
Software engineer compensation at top tech companies typically consists of three components: base salary, equity (RSUs or stock options), and annual bonuses. At FAANG companies, equity often makes up the largest portion of total compensation for senior and above levels.
Key Factors Affecting Salary
- Level/Seniority — The biggest factor. A Staff engineer at Google can earn 3-4x what an entry-level engineer makes.
- Location — Bay Area and NYC command the highest salaries, with Seattle and Austin close behind. Remote positions may have location-based adjustments.
- Company — Netflix and hedge funds typically offer the highest compensation, while startups may offer lower base with higher equity upside.
- Negotiation — Competing offers can increase total comp by 10-30%. Always negotiate. Our guide covers how to negotiate a software engineer offer.
- Specialization — ML/AI, infrastructure, and security roles often command premium compensation.
How to Land a Top-Paying Offer
The interview is the gateway to these salaries. Companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon have rigorous technical interviews including data structures and algorithms, system design, and behavioral rounds. Preparing thoroughly and performing well is the single most impactful thing you can do to maximize your compensation. To see who is hiring, browse open software engineering jobs.
Tools like PhantomCodeAI can help you practice and perform better during technical interviews with real-time AI assistance, giving you the confidence to target higher-level positions and negotiate stronger offers.