Software Engineer vs Backend Developer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Software Engineer
Design, develop and maintain software systems and applications.
Backend Developer
Build server-side APIs, databases, and business logic.
Software Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a Backend Developer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs Backend Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | Backend Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $194,530 | Software +$420 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $167,456 | Software $626 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $193,111 | Software $3,643 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $151,541 | Software $2,707 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $146,538 | Software +$3,428 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $173,670 | Software +$2,872 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £73,942 | Software +$0 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$126,152 | Software +$0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or Backend Developer earn more?+
A Software Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $135,980/year for a Backend Developer — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or Backend Developer?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while Backend Developer demand is growing at 22% YoY. Software Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to Backend Developer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python.
Which is harder to automate — Software Engineer or Backend Developer?+
Backend Developer has a lower AI automation risk (45% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.