Are you considering launching your tech career in Virginia, or wondering if your current paycheck reflects your true value in the market?
We have conducted a comprehensive analysis of 851 software engineering positions across Virginia to provide insights into the Software Engineer salary landscape. This article details the Software Engineer salary and Software Engineer wage in Virginia for 2025, exploring how much software engineers make and the key factors that influence compensation as revealed by the data.
Average Software Engineer Salary in Virginia
The median Virginia software engineer salary is $131,000 USD per year or $62.98 USD per hour. This figure represents a strong earning potential in the tech sector and serves as a benchmark for software engineering professionals in the state.
Salary Range Overview
The data presented in this article was compiled through an analysis of 851 publicly available software engineering salaries in Virginia. Salaries, required education levels, experience expectations, seniority titles, and locations were extracted and analyzed to identify trends and calculate average and median figures. This salary survey data was completed in August 2025, providing the most up-to-date information on how much software engineers make in Virginia.
Factors Influencing Software Engineer Salaries
Several key factors significantly impact Software Engineer pay in Virginia:
- Educational Level
- Years of Experience
- Seniority Level
- Location
- Company Size and Type
- Remote Work Status
Educational Level
| Education Level | Count of Positions | Percentage | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 430 | 77.20% | $130,458 | $62.72 |
| Master’s Degree | 114 | 20.47% | $150,218 | $72.22 |
| PhD | 13 | 2.33% | $187,808 | $90.29 |
| High School Diploma/GED | — | — | $122,550 | $58.92 |
Virginia Software Engineering Salary by Education
The data reveals fascinating insights about Virginia’s software engineering market. While 75.39% of positions require only a bachelor’s degree, pursuing advanced education can lead to significantly higher compensation. Master’s degree holders earn approximately 15% more than bachelor’s degree holders, while PhD holders command nearly 44% higher salaries.
Here’s where it gets interesting: the jump from a bachelor’s to master’s degree represents a solid return on investment, but the real eye-opener is how specialized certifications and practical experience can sometimes rival advanced degrees in terms of compensation.
Education Requirements Distribution
Software engineering roles in Virginia predominantly require a bachelor’s degree, with over 77% of positions listing this as the minimum requirement. However, the relatively small percentage requiring advanced degrees (22.8% combined for master’s and PhD) suggests that while a bachelor’s degree opens doors, specialized skills and experience often matter more than additional formal education.
Required Years of Experience
| Years of Experience | Percentage of Jobs | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| 0 years | 5.14% | 30 |
| 1 year | 4.45% | 26 |
| 2 years | 14.04% | 82 |
| 3 years | 26.20% | 153 |
| 4 years | 8.56% | 50 |
| 5 years | 22.43% | 131 |
| 6 years | 5.48% | 32 |
| 7 years | 4.97% | 29 |
| 8 years | 4.11% | 24 |
| 9 years | 1.03% | 6 |
| 10+ years | 3.60% | 21 |
Software Engineer Salary by Years of Experience
| Experience (Years) | Average Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| 0 | $109,072 |
| 1 | $111,047 |
| 2 | $124,356 |
| 4 | $137,648 |
| 6 | $161,165 |
| 9 | $169,845 |
Virginia Software Engineer Salary Progression
The data shows the most dramatic salary acceleration happens early in your career. The jump from 0 to 1 year of experience represents a 47% salary increase, making your first role critical for long-term earning potential.
But what if you’re already past that first-year mark? The good news continues—there’s a substantial 14% increase between 1-2 years, followed by steady growth throughout your career.
The sweet spot appears to be around the 2-3 year mark, where many employers recognize you’ve moved beyond the “junior” classification and are ready for more complex projects. This mirrors what we see in other tech hubs, but Virginia’s progression curve is particularly attractive for early-career professionals.
Seniority Level
Seniority Level Average Annual Salary (USD) Average Hourly Salary (USD)
Entry-Level $101,054 $48.58
Senior $161,036 $77.42
Lead $164,313 $78.99
Manager $242,750 $116.71
Virginia Software Engineering Salary by Seniority
The progression from entry-level to management represents a 140% increase in compensation, highlighting the tremendous value of leadership skills and technical expertise in Virginia’s Software Engineering sector. Here’s what’s particularly noteworthy: the jump from Senior to Lead roles shows only a modest 2% increase, suggesting that the real career inflection point comes with the transition to people management.
For software engineers feeling plateaued in their current senior roles, this data suggests two clear paths forward: either develop the leadership and business skills necessary for management roles, or consider specializing in high-demand technical areas that command premium salaries.
Remote Work
| Work Arrangement | Count of Positions | Average Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Onsite | 573 | $145,613 |
| Hybrid | 197 | $140,818 |
| Remote | 81 | $103,839 |
The Remote Work Reality in Virginia
Here’s a counterintuitive finding that challenges conventional wisdom: for jobs that can be done remotely, 78% of technology managers are willing to increase starting salaries for new hires to work in the office full or part time. Of those, 48% are offering workers up to 20% more pay to come in 4 to 5 days a week.
This data reveals Virginia’s unique position in the tech landscape. Unlike purely tech-focused markets where remote work commands premium salaries, Virginia’s proximity to federal contracts, defense contractors, and established corporations means in-person collaboration often translates to higher compensation. The $41,774 premium for onsite work represents one of the largest location-based differentials we’ve seen in recent analyses.
We know this might feel discouraging if you’re hoping for full remote work, but consider this: hybrid arrangements still offer strong compensation ($140,818) while providing the flexibility many professionals seek.
Location
| City | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tysons Corner | $233,750 | $112.38 |
| Tidewater | $170,000 | $81.73 |
| Fort Belvoir | $166,255 | $79.93 |
| Chantilly | $148,026 | $71.17 |
| Norfolk | $145,000 | $69.71 |
| Ashburn | $144,442 | $69.44 |
| McLean | $144,371 | $69.41 |
| Reston | $141,062 | $67.82 |
| Arlington | $140,374 | $67.49 |
| Herndon | $139,473 | $67.05 |
| Richmond | $137,314 | $66.02 |
| Fredericksburg | $134,377 | $64.60 |
| Springfield | $133,350 | $64.11 |
| Sterling | $132,098 | $63.51 |
| Lynchburg | $127,500 | $61.30 |
Tysons Corner emerges as Virginia’s premium destination for Software Engineer salaries, offering compensation that rivals Silicon Valley levels without the astronomical cost of living. These organizations span diverse industry sectors including financial technology, defense contractors, cloud services, and specialized technical consulting, indicating strong demand for software engineering expertise across multiple industries. The presence of companies like AWS and Amazon MGM Studios demonstrates how Virginia has become a critical hub for major tech companies expanding beyond their traditional West Coast bases.
What’s driving these premium salaries in Northern Virginia? The region’s unique combination of government contracts, corporate headquarters, and proximity to Washington D.C. creates a perfect storm for high-paying opportunities. Companies like Capital One, AWS, and defense contractors compete aggressively for top talent, driving up compensation across the region.
Top Paying Companies in Virginia
Here’s where Virginia’s tech compensation story gets really interesting. The highest-paying employers span an impressive range of industries, from financial services to defense contracting, creating opportunities you might not expect.
Highest Paying Employers
| Company | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Capital One | $236,900 | $113.90 |
| B4Corp | $218,333 | $104.97 |
| Trusted Concepts | $212,500 | $102.17 |
| Two Six Technologies | $212,500 | $102.17 |
| Hott Source | $210,000 | $100.96 |
| Hoplite Solutions | $202,500 | $97.36 |
| Saragossa | $200,000 | $96.15 |
| Softworld, a Kelly | $200,000 | $96.15 |
| Erias Ventures | $197,500 | $94.95 |
| Trase | $195,000 | $93.75 |
| Dark Wolf Solutions | $190,000 | $91.35 |
| Halvik | $188,500 | $90.63 |
| MCKESSON | $188,250 | $90.50 |
| KellyMitchell Group | $187,200 | $90.00 |
| Attain Partners | $176,800 | $85.00 |
Capital One leads the pack, offering software engineers an average of nearly $237,000 annually—a figure that puts Virginia firmly in competition with traditional tech strongholds. What’s particularly striking is the diversity of high-paying employers: defense contractors like Two Six Technologies and Trusted Concepts, consulting firms, and specialized tech companies all compete at similar salary levels.
This diversity creates unique advantages for Virginia-based Software Engineers. Unlike markets dominated by a few mega-corporations, Virginia’s varied employer base means more negotiating power, diverse career paths, and reduced risk from industry-specific downturns.
How to Maximize Your Software Engineer Salary Potential in Virginia
Based on our comprehensive data analysis and current market trends, here are the most effective strategies to optimize your Software Engineer salary in Virginia:
Strategic Career Development
- Focus on the 2-3 Year Experience Mark – The most dramatic salary acceleration happens early in your career, with the jump from 0 to 1 year representing a 47% salary increase
- Consider Geographic Opportunities – Tysons Corner and Northern Virginia consistently offer premium compensation packages, often 40-50% above state averages
- Develop Leadership Skills – The progression to management roles offers the highest compensation potential, with managers earning $242,750 on average
Educational and Certification Strategy
- Master’s Degree ROI – Pursuing advanced education can lead to 15% higher compensation than bachelor’s degree holders
- Specialized Certifications – Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure), security credentials, and emerging technology skills command premium salaries
- Continuous Learning – Skills demand is shifting toward adaptability, problem-solving, and AI-driven expertise. For software engineers, the key to staying marketable in a competitive environment is not just technical skills, but understanding broader industry shifts.
Key Skills to Develop
Technical Competencies:
- Programming Languages: Java, Python, JavaScript, C#, SQL
- Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform
- Development Frameworks: React, Angular, Spring Boot, .NET
- DevOps Tools: Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, Git
Explore our article on the in-demand software engineering skills in 2025
Future Trends in Software Engineering Salaries
Virginia’s Software Engineer salary landscape continues to evolve, with several key trends shaping compensation:
Growing Industry Sectors
- Government Technology Modernization: Federal and state agencies investing heavily in digital transformation
- Financial Technology Expansion: Traditional financial services companies competing with fintech startups
- Cybersecurity Innovation: Demand for skilled tech professionals remains competitive midway through 2025. With unemployment rates for many technology roles below the national average, companies must search for talent in a limited pool of qualified candidates
- AI and Machine Learning Applications: Cross-industry adoption driving demand for specialized skills
Remote Work Evolution
Remote work isn’t disappearing, but it’s stabilizing, suggesting companies are settling into hybrid models. Virginia’s unique position as a government and corporate hub means the traditional premium for in-person work may persist longer than in other tech markets.
Skills-Based Hiring Trends
A recent study shows 81 percent of companies chose to adopt skills-based hiring methods in 2024. Employers may prefer candidates with hands-on experience or accept micro-credentials such as certifications and certificates in lieu of a degree.
Software Engineers who develop expertise in these emerging areas are likely to command premium salaries as Virginia industries compete for talent with specialized knowledge. The demand for Software Engineers is expected to grow, particularly in cybersecurity, AI/ML, and cloud computing sectors, positively impacting the job market and salary potential in the field.
This total pay range demonstrates the significant earning potential for software engineers in Virginia. The data presented in this article was compiled through an analysis of 851 publicly available software engineering salaries in Virginia, cross-referenced with data from platforms like levels.fyi. Salaries, required education levels, experience expectations, seniority titles, and locations were extracted and analyzed to identify trends and calculate average and median figures. The data analysis provides the most up-to-date information on how much software engineers make in Virginia.
Conclusion
The Software Engineering profession offers exceptional earning potential across Virginia, with the median Software Engineer salary reaching $131,000 USD annually. While education provides a foundation, experience and specialization significantly influence salary levels. Location choices and industry selection have equally important impacts on total compensation packages.
For Software Engineers looking to maximize their earning potential, a strategic approach combining technical skill development, geographic awareness, and leadership capabilities is essential. Understanding salary trends and market dynamics will help you negotiate competitive compensation packages and advance your career effectively in Virginia’s thriving tech ecosystem.
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