The Top 10% of Software Engineers Earn This Much


What’s the highest software engineer salary in the United States? There are a few answers to this question that differ depending on how you ask it. If you’re asking what the median software engineer salary in the US is, it was around $100,000 in 2015 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).  This difference occurs because software engineers at both ends of the spectrum pull up the average—but which end?


Why are there so many stereotypes about engineers?

Engineers are often stereotyped as being unemotional and lacking creativity. But in reality, engineers are typically smart, hard-working problem solvers who use a variety of skills to design products that solve real-world problems. One reason why there are so many stereotypes about engineers is because engineering has traditionally been a male-dominated field. Women have only recently started entering the field in larger numbers over the last 20 years or so and they continue to face challenges finding mentors and networking opportunities. These challenges make it difficult for women engineers to reach the same level of success as their male counterparts, which is one reason why female representation at top positions remains low.

There's also the popular perception that all engineers need to know how to code - but that's not true!


It's more than just computer science

If you want to work as a software engineer, what's the typical salary? According to PayScale, the median salary for a software engineer is $82,500. But if you want to be in the top 20%, then you'll need to earn at least $114,000 per year. To be in the top 10%, you'll need to earn at least $143,000 annually. You can see how quickly these salaries climb when your qualifications and experience level increase.


But what about all those stories about Google and Apple employees who get paid $100K+ after just a few years working as an engineer.

I'm sure there are a lot of people who think they're worth more and feel like they deserve the $100K+ salaries that they hear about. But I don't think engineers deserve to be paid so much more than other professions, like say doctors or lawyers. At the end of the day, all engineers really do is write code. They're no different from someone who writes for a newspaper or magazine. If you can make it in those professions, then you should be able to make it as a software engineer too.


Here's some data on where that extra money comes from...and why you should consider it.

The top 1% of software engineers make an average salary of $166,000. That's over twice as much as the median software engineer ($81,000). Why is there such a wide difference? It has a lot to do with where you work and what you're doing. If you work for a smaller company or in a less technical role, like sales or marketing, your salary will be significantly lower. For example, the 75th percentile salary for a sales engineer is $59,000. That's only about half that of the median engineering salary. But if you're one of those top 1%ers who just so happen to work at Google or Facebook then congratulations! You'll be making $400K+ per year.


And if you're interested in how to become one of these top-level earners, let's dive into the path.

A software engineering career can start with a four-year degree in computer science, information systems, or software engineering. Graduates can then work as a developer or quality assurance engineer in the tech industry, but there are also opportunities for those who want to work outside of Silicon Valley. For instance, many companies in the healthcare and retail industries need developers to design apps that help people manage their health and shopping habits. 

Interested? Read this post on how to become a top-level software engineer from our blog.


1) Network Effectively

Networking is an important part of any job search, and it's particularly important in software engineering. That's because it's hard to know who might be looking for a new position in your area or what opportunities might be available. It also helps you get introductions to hiring managers and interview with them, which is when you can share your accomplishments and skills. If you're just getting started with networking, try these tips: 

- Reach out to your school alumni association - Attend tech meetups in your area - Join a professional organization for software engineers - Get involved with local meetups or volunteer at events that are related to the profession


2) Learn New Skills Every Week

Software engineering is one of the best-paying jobs in America. But what does it take to become a software engineer? And how much can you expect to make? Here are ten skills every software engineer should learn, how much they'll help your salary, and where to go to start learning them.


3) Expose Yourself to Problems You Can Solve Easily That Require New Tools/Skills

As a software engineer, you will encounter problems and learn new skills every day. These tasks can be difficult at first, but as you practice your skills with them, they will become easier over time. One way to continuously expose yourself to new problems and new skills is by solving easy problems that require a lot of research or tools/skills you don't have yet. For example: 

- Attempting to use an unfamiliar IDE for a programming language 

- Trying out a new library or package in your favorite language for the first time 

- Debugging an old problem with a different technique than what you're used to


read : 5 Reasons Why You Should Study Software Engineering in 2022


4) Contribute New Things to Open Source Projects (or start one!)

Contributing to open source projects is a great way to learn new skills, meet like-minded individuals and give back. 

## Steps for Open Source Contribution 

1) Find an open source project in your area of interest. 2) Try to identify something that you can work on or improve and make a contribution. You will have the greatest chance of success if you start small. 3) Create an account on the project's website if necessary and follow the instructions there carefully.


5) Be Passionate About Your Work, Even When It’s Not Fun.

We all have our good days and bad days when it comes to work. It's natural to sometimes dread going in to the office, or feel like you're slogging through your tasks. But being passionate about your work is one of the most important things you can do for yourself, your career, and for the people who work with you. 

When you start a new job, it's natural to be enthusiastic about what you're doing and the future possibilities that await you. But as time goes by, it can be hard to stay positive. In fact, 67% of workers are not engaged at their jobs.

read : Which country is best for software engineers in 2022?

Conclusion

Keep in mind, these figures are just averages, so there's a good chance that you'll earn more than this. It's also worth noting that the top 10% of software engineers make twice as much as the average salary. If you're good at your job, then go ahead and ask for more money! Many companies will reward hard work with an increase in pay, especially if they know you might be looking elsewhere for employment. There are many reasons why you should be paid more than the average software engineer: 

If you've been working at one company for many years but never asked for an increase in pay before, it might be time to take matters into your own hands. You may not have had any sort of competition before, but now there's no excuse not to seek out another offer from a different company who will value what you do. With an increase in pay comes an increase in happiness and well-being which can lead to greater productivity on the job- which benefits everyone involved!