Technology · Level IC2

Software Engineer

A mid-level engineer who owns features end-to-end with minimal guidance, writes reliable, well-tested code, and increasingly reviews and directs AI-generated output rather than competing with it.

Typical total compensation (US)

$168,000median

Range $140,000–$204,000 · base $136,000 · bonus $12,000 · equity $20,000

Indicative, sourced ranges — not a guarantee. BLS OEWS May 2025 Software Developers (15-1252): p25 $105,210 / p50 $135,980 / p75 $171,980 (via O*NET); Levels.fyi SWE title median total ~$192k

At a glance

Difficulty

Medium

Hiring demand

High

Competition

High

AI task-risk

Medium

AI & this role: Many tasks automatable, but mid-level judgement, integration and ownership less so; AI is a productivity multiplier here more than a replacement. The move is to climb the scope ladder, not to fear the tool.

What differentiates you at this level

systemsOwn features end-to-end with minimal guidance
systemsTesting, debugging and code quality at scale
systemsAPI and data-model design basics
ai-leverageReviewing and correcting AI-generated code

Where this leads — your highest-value routes

Ranked by pay ceiling. Progression is driven by scope and level transitions, not tenure.

Director of Engineeringup to $660,000

$168,000 now → $610,000 in 12 yrs

Principal Engineerup to $620,000

$168,000 now → $575,000 in 12 yrs

Staff ML Engineerup to $585,000

$168,000 now → $530,000 in 9 yrs

Group Product Managerup to $475,000

$168,000 now → $435,000 in 11 yrs

Senior Engineering Managerup to $455,000

$168,000 now → $415,000 in 8 yrs

Credentials that help

Credentials help entry and specialisation; they don't gate senior or leadership roles — scope does.

CS / related bachelor's degree · $10k-$40k+/yr public in-state to private; highly variable
Coding bootcamp (e.g. Hack Reactor, App Academy, Nucamp) · ~$13,584
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) · ~$150

See the full Software Engineer pay breakdown by metro →