Software Engineer vs Web 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.
Web Developer
Build and maintain websites and web applications.
Software Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $31,980/year (31%) higher than a Web Developer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs Web Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | Web Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $147,801 | Software +$47,149 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $122,892 | Software +$43,938 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $148,827 | Software +$40,641 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $113,006 | Software +$35,828 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $113,802 | Software +$36,164 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $134,947 | Software +$41,595 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £80,939 | Software $6,997 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$138,013 | Software $11,861 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or Web Developer earn more?+
A Software Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $104,000/year for a Web Developer — a difference of $31,980 (31%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or Web Developer?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while Web Developer demand is growing at 16% YoY. Software Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to Web Developer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: JavaScript.
Which is harder to automate — Software Engineer or Web Developer?+
Software Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (48% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.