Software Engineer Salary Worldwide (2026)
Global median salary of $101,950 across 20 cities. Highest in San Francisco ($165,000) and lowest in Paris ($62,000).
Global Median
$101,950
per year (USD)
Highest Paying City
$165,000
San Francisco
Lowest Paying City
$62,000
Paris
Cities Tracked
20
worldwide
Software Engineer Salary by City (Top 10)
| # | City | Country | Median | P25 – P75 | CoL Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | United States | $165,000 | $130,000 – $210,000 | 105 |
| 2 | Seattle | United States | $155,000 | $120,000 – $200,000 | 88 |
| 3 | New York | United States | $140,000 | $110,000 – $180,000 | 100 |
| 4 | Los Angeles | United States | $135,000 | $105,000 – $175,000 | 90 |
| 5 | Zurich | Switzerland | $133,000 | $105,000 – $171,000 | 115 |
| 6 | Boston | United States | $129,000 | $101,000 – $166,000 | 92 |
| 7 | Chicago | United States | $119,000 | $94,000 – $153,000 | 78 |
| 8 | Austin | United States | $115,000 | $90,000 – $148,000 | 72 |
| 9 | Dubai | United Arab Emirates | $98,000 | $77,000 – $126,000 | 72 |
| 10 | Sydney | Australia | $95,000 | $75,000 – $120,000 | 80 |
Software Engineer Salary by Region
US
$136,857
Top: San Francisco ($165,000)
MENA
$98,000
Top: Dubai ($98,000)
AU
$90,000
Top: Sydney ($95,000)
CA
$86,000
Top: Toronto ($90,000)
EU
$81,167
Top: Zurich ($133,000)
UK
$72,000
Top: London ($72,000)
APAC
$72,000
Top: Singapore ($72,000)
Salary Range Comparison (Top 5 Cities)
San Francisco
$130k – $210k – $270k
Seattle
$120k – $200k – $260k
New York
$110k – $180k – $230k
Los Angeles
$105k – $175k – $220k
Zurich
$105k – $171k – $219k
P25–P75
Median
P90
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Calculate Your SalarySoftware Engineer Salary FAQ
What is the average Software Engineer salary worldwide?
The global average Software Engineer salary is $101,950 per year, based on data from 20 cities worldwide.
Which city pays the highest Software Engineer salary?
San Francisco pays the highest Software Engineer salary at $165,000 per year (median).
How does Software Engineer salary vary by region?
Salaries vary significantly by region. US cities typically offer the highest compensation, followed by Western Europe and Asia-Pacific markets.
Is Software Engineer a well-paid career in 2026?
Software Engineer is a well-compensated career with a global median of $101,950, significantly above average.
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Last updated: 2026-04-04 | Data sources: Numbeo, OECD, Glassdoor, and local government statistics.