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.
$137,604/yr
Typical range: $130,865 – $160,916
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $137,604 | $11,467 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $169,982 | $14,165 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $191,567 | $15,964 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $221,785 | $18,482 | +61% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $299,491 | $24,958 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $375,578 | $31,298 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $394,600 | $32,883 | +187% |
Current Salary
$137,604
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $66/hr
Next Level Target
$169,982
Junior · 2
+$32Kpotential 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 $138K 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 $138K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $66/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 $254K–$313K/yr.