TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Software Engineer Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$222,696/yr
Typical range: $189,223 – $232,675
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Software Engineer salary by experience level in Dallas
Software Engineer Salary Progression in Dallas
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $102,320 | $8,527 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $126,395 | $10,533 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $142,445 | $11,870 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $164,915 | $13,743 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $222,696 | $18,558 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $279,272 | $23,273 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $293,417 | $24,451 | +187% |
Current Salary
$222,696
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $107/hr
Next Level Target
$279,272
Principal · 14
+$57Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
56/100
Moderate
+25% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Software Engineer salary in Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead Software Engineers in Dallas, TX earn approximately $223K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Software Engineer make per hour in Dallas, TX?
Based on $223K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $107/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Software Engineer in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Software Engineer in Dallas, TX earns $189K–$233K/yr.