TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Software Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$280,413/yr
Typical range: $238,264 – $292,979
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Software Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Software Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $128,838 | $10,737 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $159,153 | $13,263 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $179,363 | $14,947 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $207,657 | $17,305 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $280,413 | $23,368 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $351,653 | $29,304 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $369,463 | $30,789 | +187% |
Current Salary
$280,413
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $135/hr
Next Level Target
$351,653
Principal · 14
+$71Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
56/100
Moderate
+25% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Software Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Software Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $280K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $280K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $135/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Software Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Software Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $238K–$293K/yr.