Software Engineer vs IT Manager: 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.
IT Manager
Oversee IT department operations, staff, and technology strategy.
IT Manager earns more on average — the national median is $39,160/year (29%) higher than a Software Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs IT Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | IT Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $260,907 | Software $65,957 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $206,737 | Software $39,907 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $253,469 | Software $64,001 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $194,345 | Software $45,511 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $186,335 | Software $36,369 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $234,529 | Software $57,987 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £138,371 | Software $64,429 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$227,074 | Software $100,922 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or IT Manager earn more?+
A IT Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $175,140/year for a IT Manager — a difference of $39,160 (29%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or IT Manager?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while IT Manager demand is growing at 10% YoY. Software Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to IT Manager?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Software Engineer or IT Manager?+
IT Manager has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.