Software engineering is a highly sought-after profession, and software engineers are in high demand across the globe. There are a lot of software engineer locations that are viable to live in. The role of a software engineer involves designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. Software engineers can work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology.
Software Engineer Locations in the United States
As a software engineer, you have the option to work remotely or in an office environment. In the United States, there are many cities with a high demand for software engineers, and each city has its own unique benefits. Here are some of the best locations for software engineers in the United States.
In-Office & Hybrid Software Engineer Locations
Whether you have a full-time in-office job or hybrid job, you will have to live close to your job. Hybrid software engineering jobs allow software engineers to work both remotely and in an office environment. This gives them the flexibility to work from home when they need to, while also being able to collaborate with their colleagues in person. Some of the best software engineer locations for engineers that need be near their job are listed below.
1. Greater Seattle, WA Area – $225,000
Seattle has boomed in recent years. With a median software engineering salary of $225,00 (according to level.fyi’s 2023 report). Doesn’t Silicon Valley pay more? Yes, but with Washington state having an effective tax rate of 10.3% (8.8% w/out property taxes). This means that software engineers can take home most of their incomes.
2. Greater San Francisco, CA Area – $244,000
HUH?! How can this be? The San Francisco area is the most expensive place to live in the United States? Well… because the salaries are that much higher over there. Silicon Valley continues to produce and attract top software engineering talent. According to the “levels.fyi End of Year Pay Report 2023″, the median software engineer salary in San Francisco is $244,00. Using a cost-of-living adjustment to compare all US cities, San Francisco continues to offer the most value compared to the rest. The value continues to grow when you use tax-advantaged accounts (401k, 403b, HSA, etc…), and since your salary is generally higher, your employer match on 3-6% of your income will be higher compared to other places. Remember to always compare your salary to websites like levels.fyi or Glassdoor to make sure you are getting compensated fairly.
3. Greater Austin, TX Area – $167,000
Since 2018, Texas has been the culprit of attracting the most new residents. People from Cali and New York move to the lone star state and they bring Silicon Valley and Wall Street with them. Texas having the #6 overall tax burden in the USA of 8.6%. This software engineering locations has a salary of $167,000 in Austin, TX (levels.fyi). That is only 1k below Los Angeles, CA, but with 5% less in taxes.
4. Greater Denver/Boulder, CO Area – $154,000
Denver is a nice middle ground between salary, taxes, cost of living, and quality of life. I have been looking for jobs in this area for quite a long time and I am really liking what I am seeing. Definitely a place to look at.
5. Northern Virginia/Washington DC Area – $148,000
This is probably my hottest take, but since I am currently in the Defense and Intelligence Contracting industry, I have seen a huge spike in Engineer jobs in DC paying very, very well. The only caveat is that the highest paying jobs usually rely on getting a USA Security Clearance which means these jobs become extremely difficult to get.
Remote Software Engineering Jobs
Remote software engineering jobs are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. With the rise of technology, many companies are allowing their employees to work from home. This allows software engineers to work from anywhere in the country, without having to worry about relocating.
Having this much freedom with a job, actually comes down too what are your values. If its money, rural Tennessee and Wyoming probably is where your cost of living and taxes are the lowest. In the end make sure you are living in a location that you value.
International Software Engineer Locations
Software engineering is a global industry, and there are many opportunities for international software engineer jobs. Whether you are looking for a permanent position abroad or a short-term contract, there are many options available.
Remote International Software Engineering Jobs
Remote work is becoming increasingly popular in the software engineering industry, and there are many opportunities for international remote work. Many companies are open to hiring remote workers from anywhere in the world, which means that you can work from the comfort of your own home while still enjoying the benefits of an international job.
Some of the benefits of remote international software engineering jobs include:
- Flexibility: You can work from anywhere in the world, which means that you can work from home or while traveling.
- Competitive pay: Many companies offer competitive pay for remote workers, which means that you can earn a good salary while working from home.
- Global experience: Working with international teams can give you valuable experience working with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
If you are interested in remote international software engineering jobs, there are many websites that can help you find opportunities. Some popular websites include Indeed, Remote.co, and FlexJobs.
Cost of Living for Software Engineers
One crucial factor to consider when choosing a location as a software engineer is the cost of living. The cost of living can significantly impact your overall earnings, especially if you are working in a high-paying city with a high cost of living.
According to a data-backed analysis by ARC, the best cities for software engineers in terms of cost of living are Raleigh, Austin, and Columbus. These cities offer a lower cost of living than other tech hubs like San Francisco and Seattle, which can make a significant difference in your overall earnings.
Rent is a significant expense for many software engineers, and it is essential to consider when evaluating the cost of living. According to Salary.com, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco is $3,700 per month, while in Raleigh, it is $1,200 per month. This significant difference in rent can make a significant impact on your overall earnings.
It is also important to consider other factors that contribute to the cost of living, such as transportation, food, and entertainment. For example, cities like New York and San Francisco have a higher cost of living due to their high transportation costs and expensive restaurants and entertainment options.
In summary, the cost of living is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a location as a software engineer. It can significantly impact your overall earnings, and it is essential to consider factors such as rent, transportation, food, and entertainment when evaluating the cost of living in different cities.
Wages and Benefits for Software Engineers
Software engineering is one of the most lucrative and in-demand fields in the tech industry. As of 2024, the average salary for a software engineer in California is $140,450 per year, according to Indeed [1]. However, the salary range can vary widely depending on factors such as education, certifications, years of experience, and location.
In San Jose, California, the average salary for a Software Engineer I is $95,115 per year [2]. The range can vary between $87,179 and $104,559, depending on the same factors mentioned above.
According to Glassdoor [3], the national average salary for a software engineer in the United States is $92,046 per year. However, the salary can range from $66,000 to $140,000 per year, depending on the same factors mentioned above.
Benefits for software engineers can vary depending on the company and location. Some common benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and bonuses. Many tech companies also offer perks such as free snacks, gym memberships, and flexible work schedules.
In addition to base salary and benefits, software engineers can also receive stock options and bonuses based on company performance. According to Entrepreneur [4], software engineers at Google earn the highest base salary, maximum equity, and bonuses among the top 10 highest-paying positions in engineering, business, and sales.
Overall, software engineering is a highly competitive and rewarding field with great potential for growth and development. With the right education, skills, and experience, software engineers can earn a high salary and enjoy many benefits and perks
Impact of Covid-19 on Software Engineering Locations
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the software engineering industry, with many companies shifting to remote work or hybrid models. These changes have affected the way software engineers work, collaborate, and communicate with their teams.
One of the biggest impacts of Covid-19 on software engineering jobs has been the shift to remote work. Many software engineers are now working from home, which has both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, remote work allows for more flexibility and can help software engineers achieve a better work-life balance. On the other hand, remote work can be isolating and can make it more difficult to collaborate with team members.
Another impact of Covid-19 on software engineering jobs has been the shift to hybrid models. Some companies are now offering a combination of remote and in-person work, which can provide the benefits of both models. However, hybrid models can also be challenging to manage and may require additional resources to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
In addition to these changes, Covid-19 has also affected the demand for software engineering jobs. Some companies have had to reduce their workforce due to financial constraints, while others have seen an increased demand for software engineers as more businesses move online.
Overall, the impact of Covid-19 on software engineering jobs has been significant, and it is likely that these changes will continue to shape the industry for years to come. As software engineers adapt to new working models and companies adjust their hiring practices, it is important to stay informed and be prepared for whatever the future may hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cities for software engineers in 2022?
According to Indeed, some of the best cities for software engineers in the USA are San Francisco, Seattle, New York City, and Boston. These cities have a high demand for software engineers and offer competitive salaries.
Which countries are the best for software engineers to work?
Software engineers can find opportunities in many countries around the world. According to Business Insider, some of the best countries for software engineers to work are the USA, Canada, Germany, the UK, and Australia. These countries have a strong technology industry and offer competitive salaries.
What are the highest paying cities for software engineers in the USA?
According to Indeed, some of the highest paying cities for software engineers in the USA are San Francisco, Seattle, San Jose, New York City, and Boston. These cities offer high salaries to software engineers due to the high demand for their skills.
What are the highest paying cities for software engineers in the world?
According to Business Insider, some of the highest paying cities for software engineers in the world are San Francisco, Seattle, Zurich, New York City, and Boston. These cities offer high salaries to software engineers due to the high demand for their skills and the high cost of living.
Which companies are among the top 50 for software engineers?
According to CNBC, some of the top 50 companies for software engineers to work for in 2021 are Adobe, Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, and Salesforce. These companies offer competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for growth.
Where is the best place to work as a software engineer?
The best place to work as a software engineer depends on individual preferences and priorities. Some software engineers prefer to work for large tech companies in major cities, while others prefer to work for startups or smaller companies in more affordable locations. It is important to research and compare different companies and locations to find the best fit.