TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years

Entry Level Software Engineer Salary in Seattle

2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.

$128,838/yr

Typical range: $122,528 $150,665

P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Software Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
EntryThis page0 yrs0 yrs$128,838$10,737
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$159,153$13,263+24%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$179,363$14,947+39%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$207,657$17,305+61%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$280,413$23,368+118%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$351,653$29,304+173%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$369,463$30,789+187%
Current Salary
$128,838
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $62/hr
Next Level Target
$159,153
Junior · 2
+$30Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
56/100
Moderate
+25% demand · Moderate AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry level Software Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?

Entry Level Software Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $129K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a entry level Software Engineer make per hour in Seattle, WA?

Based on $129K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $62/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from entry level to senior Software Engineer in Seattle, WA?

The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Software Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $238K–$293K/yr.