Are you considering a software engineer job in Pennsylvania, or looking to benchmark your current compensation?
We’ve conducted an extensive analysis of 884 Software Engineer positions across Pennsylvania to detail Software Engineer salaries and wages. This article explores how much software engineers make and the key factors that influence Software Engineer pay as revealed by our salary survey data.
Average Software Engineer Salary in Pennsylvania
The median Pennsylvania Software Engineer salary is $116,098 USD per year or $55.82 USD per hour. This figure provides insight into software engineer earnings in Pennsylvania and serves as a benchmark for Software Engineering salaries in the state.
Salary Range Overview
The data presented in this article was compiled through an analysis of 884 publicly available Software Engineer positions in Pennsylvania. Salaries, required education levels, experience expectations, seniority titles, and locations were extracted and analyzed to identify trends and calculate average and median figures. Our salary survey data reveals software engineering hiring is cyclical, but the long-term trajectory remains strong, with the software engineering job market in 2025 stabilizing after a slow start.
Factors Influencing Software Engineer Salary
- Educational Level
- Years of Experience
- Seniority Level
- Location
- Company
- Remote Work Arrangement
Educational Level
| Education Level | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) | Percentage of Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | $170,986 | $82.21 | 2.49% |
| Master’s Degree | $139,242 | $66.94 | 15.13% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $117,577 | $56.53 | 82.38% |
| Associate Degree | $88,450 | $42.52 | – |
Pennsylvania Software Engineering Salary by Education
The data reveals a clear educational premium in software engineering careers. While a bachelor’s degree forms the foundation for most Software Engineer roles, pursuing advanced education can significantly boost earning potential. Master’s degree holders earn approximately 43% more than bachelor’s degree holders, while PhD holders see an additional modest increase.
This represents a massive jump – PhD holders earn over 45% more than those with bachelor’s degrees, suggesting that advanced research skills and specialized knowledge command premium compensation in Pennsylvania’s competitive tech market.
Here’s where it gets interesting: the vast majority (82.38%) of Software Engineer positions in Pennsylvania require only a bachelor’s degree, making advanced degrees a strategic differentiator rather than a necessity. This highlights the value of specialized knowledge and advanced technical expertise in the competitive Pennsylvania tech market.
For professionals wondering about the ROI of graduate school, the numbers tell a compelling story – each additional degree level represents roughly a $22,000-$30,000 annual increase in software engineer earnings.
Remote Work
One trend that’s reshaping Software Engineer pay across Pennsylvania is the evolution of remote work arrangements. Our analysis reveals some surprising patterns:
| Work Arrangement | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| Onsite | $133,721 | 485 |
| Remote | $129,355 | 175 |
| Hybrid | $120,352 | 223 |
Contrary to what many might expect, onsite positions actually command the highest Software Engineer salaries in Pennsylvania, followed by remote and then hybrid arrangements. This $13,369 premium for onsite work might reflect the fact that companies requiring physical presence are compensating for the reduced flexibility, or that certain high-paying roles – particularly in research institutions like Carnegie Mellon or specialized manufacturing – require on-site collaboration.
Remote work isn’t disappearing, but it’s stabilizing, suggesting companies are settling into hybrid models. For software engineers, this creates interesting negotiation opportunities – you might be able to command higher compensation by accepting onsite constraints, or prioritize flexibility while understanding the potential salary trade-off.
Years of Experience
| Years of Experience | Percentage of Jobs | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| 0 years | 4.49% | 27 |
| 1 year | 5.32% | 32 |
| 2 years | 11.98% | 72 |
| 3 years | 26.96% | 162 |
| 4 years | 6.32% | 38 |
| 5 years | 23.79% | 143 |
| 6 years | 3.99% | 24 |
| 7 years | 5.16% | 31 |
| 8 years | 6.66% | 40 |
| 9 years | 0.67% | 4 |
| 10+ years | 4.66% | 28 |
Software Engineer Salary by Years of Experience
| Years of Experience | Average Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| 0 | $95,752 |
| 2 | $118,207 |
| 3 | $128,780 |
| 5 | $144,696 |
| 10+ | $169,500 |
The data reveals fascinating career inflection points that every Software Engineer should understand. The most significant salary acceleration occurs between years 2 and 3, where compensation jumps by nearly $10,600 – representing an 8.9% increase in a single year. This suggests that the transition from junior to mid-level represents a critical career milestone, where engineers demonstrate independent problem-solving capabilities and begin taking ownership of larger system components.
Companies are increasingly leveraging AI to automate routine coding tasks, reducing the need for large engineering teams. This trend is particularly impacting entry-level and mid-level software engineering roles, as businesses prioritize professionals who can manage AI-driven workflows rather than simply write code. As a result, hiring is shifting toward engineers with expertise in AI augmentation, system architecture, and cross-functional problem-solving.
But what if you’re already at the median? The progression from 3 to 5 years of experience represents another substantial jump of over $15,900, highlighting how Pennsylvania’s tech market rewards engineers who develop deep expertise and begin mentoring others. By the 10+ year mark, seasoned Software Engineers are commanding nearly $170,000 annually – a testament to the value of accumulated domain knowledge and leadership skills.
Seniority Level
| Seniority Level | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | $156,146 | $75.07 |
| Lead | $107,061 | $51.47 |
| Entry-Level | $93,559 | $44.98 |
| Internship | $37,440 | $18.00 |
Here’s something that might surprise you: Lead positions actually pay less on average than Senior roles in Pennsylvania’s software engineering market. This counterintuitive finding likely reflects market dynamics where individual contributor “Senior” roles at top-tier companies (think Google, Microsoft, Amazon) command higher compensation than management roles at mid-tier organizations.
The progression from internship to senior level represents a remarkable 317% increase in compensation, demonstrating the extraordinary earning potential in software engineering careers. Many developers are facing slower hiring timelines, mismatched expectations, and growing competition for the highest-paying engineering jobs as companies become more selective with their technical hires. This selectivity particularly impacts the transition between levels, making skill development and portfolio building more crucial than ever.
For professionals feeling stuck at the entry level, the data provides hope: crossing into senior territory more than doubles your earning potential, making investment in advanced skills, certifications, and project leadership absolutely worthwhile.
Location
| City | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Bala-Cynwyd | $600,000 | $288.46 |
| Bethlehem | $200,000 | $96.15 |
| Levittown | $200,000 | $96.15 |
| Plymouth Meeting | $200,000 | $96.15 |
| Hanover | $166,570 | $80.08 |
| Cranberry Township | $162,800 | $78.27 |
| Aston | $147,500 | $70.91 |
| Bedford | $147,500 | $70.91 |
| Ridley Park | $140,825 | $67.70 |
| Erie | $135,961 | $65.36 |
| Lower Merion | $135,000 | $64.90 |
| Chesterbrook | $132,500 | $63.71 |
| Philadelphia | $132,180 | $63.55 |
| Ardmore | $130,000 | $62.50 |
| Doylestown | $130,000 | $62.50 |
Bala-Cynwyd’s extraordinary compensation level of $600,000 reflects the presence of extremely high-paying specialized roles, possibly in financial technology or quantitative research. This outlier demonstrates how niche expertise in areas like algorithmic trading, machine learning infrastructure, or cybersecurity can command exceptional Software Engineer salaries. Philadelphia is ranked as a Star Hub by Brookings, with more than 3,500 AI job postings. Pittsburgh is ranked as an Emerging Center, with more than 1,400 job postings.
The concentration of AI opportunities in these major metros explains their strong Software Engineer wage competitiveness.
What’s particularly striking is how suburban areas like Bethlehem, Levittown, and Plymouth Meeting offer $200,000 average salaries – nearly 70% higher than Philadelphia proper. This suggests that companies in these areas are competing aggressively for talent, possibly offering location premiums to attract engineers who might otherwise gravitate toward major urban centers.
For software engineers considering relocation within Pennsylvania, these numbers tell an important story about cost-of-living arbitrage: earning $200,000 in Bethlehem likely provides significantly more purchasing power than $132,000 in Philadelphia, while still maintaining reasonable commuting distance to major tech hubs.
Top Paying Companies in Pennsylvania
Here’s a list of the top companies that consistently offer above-average Software Engineer salaries in Pennsylvania, representing some of the highest paying software engineering jobs in the state:
Highest Paying Employers
| Company | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| iO Associates – US | $600,000 | $288.46 |
| NVIDIA | $389,750 | $187.38 |
| Duolingo | $234,467 | $112.73 |
| TieTalent | $208,340 | $100.16 |
| Credit Genie | $192,143 | $92.37 |
| Microsoft | $188,900 | $90.82 |
| Motional | $181,150 | $87.09 |
| Aurora | $177,667 | $85.42 |
| Amazon | $176,450 | $84.83 |
| Ring | $176,450 | $84.83 |
| MongoDB | $174,500 | $83.89 |
| Confluent | $174,100 | $83.70 |
| $173,500 | $83.41 | |
| Anduril Industries | $172,500 | $82.93 |
| Hackajob | $170,561 | $82.00 |
NVIDIA’s commanding lead in compensation reflects the current AI boom and the premium placed on engineers who can work with cutting-edge GPU computing and machine learning infrastructure. The company’s astronomical average base salary of nearly $390,000 demonstrates how specialized skills in high-demand areas can command exceptional compensation.
The presence of companies like Duolingo (language learning), Motional (autonomous vehicles), and Ring (IoT/security) demonstrates Pennsylvania’s diverse tech ecosystem. Companies like Facebook Reality Labs are pioneering cutting-edge VR and AR technology in Pennsylvania, and the impact of AI is creating numerous high-paying job opportunities across different industries.
What’s particularly interesting is how the top-tier companies cluster around specific salary bands: NVIDIA operates in a league of its own at nearly $390,000, while the next tier (Duolingo through Microsoft) ranges from $189,000-$234,000. This creates clear targets for engineers seeking to maximize their Software Engineer pay – understanding which companies operate in which compensation tiers can inform strategic career decisions.
Both Innovation Works and BlastPoint say Pittsburgh’s livability paired with its talent make it the ideal space for tech startups. “From a business standpoint, one of our biggest customers is Duquesne Light,” Alvarez says. “They have been a really great R&D partner for when ‘we see a problem, let’s work together to fix it.'”
How to Maximize Your Software Engineer Salary Potential
Based on our comprehensive salary survey data analysis, we recommend the following strategies to optimize your Software Engineer salary and total compensation package in Pennsylvania:
Pursue Advanced Education Strategically – While a bachelor’s degree opens doors, a master’s degree can increase earning potential by over 40%, and a PhD by nearly 50%. For working professionals, consider part-time or executive programs that allow skill development without career interruption.
Focus on the 2-3 Year Experience Mark – The most significant salary acceleration occurs at this career stage. Use this time to specialize in high-demand areas like AI/ML, cloud architecture, or cybersecurity to maximize the bump.
Consider Geographic Opportunities – Suburban areas like Bethlehem and Levittown offer premium Software Engineering salaries without big-city costs. Calculate total compensation including cost-of-living adjustments when evaluating opportunities.
Target AI and Emerging Technology Companies – Skills demand is shifting toward adaptability, problem-solving, and AI-driven expertise. Companies like NVIDIA, Duolingo, and Motional demonstrate how positioning yourself in growth sectors can dramatically increase compensation.
Develop Leadership and Mentoring Skills – The progression to senior individual contributor roles offers the highest compensation potential, often exceeding management positions.
Negotiate Work Arrangements Strategically – Understanding that onsite roles command premiums in Pennsylvania allows for informed decision-making about flexibility versus compensation trade-offs.
Key Skills to Develop:
Technical Competencies: Java was most in-demand, mentioned in 25.2% of the software engineering job postings we analyzed. Focus also on Python, React, Node.js, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
Emerging Technologies: The rise of AI-powered coding tools like GitHub Copilot has significantly altered software engineering hiring dynamics in 2025. Companies are increasingly leveraging AI to automate routine coding tasks, reducing the need for large engineering teams. Learn AI/ML frameworks, automation tools, and prompt engineering.
Specialized Areas: Cybersecurity, DevOps/SRE, data engineering, mobile development (iOS/Android), and blockchain technologies. Understanding the average salary for DevOps engineers and mobile developer salary trends can help you target high-paying specializations.
Soft Skills: Cross-functional collaboration, technical communication, project management, and mentoring capabilities.
Read our article on the most in-demand software engineering skills in 2025
Future Trends in Software Engineering Salaries
Over the next decade, the software engineer growth rate will continue to shift, shaped by AI and global developer needs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software development roles, including QA analysts and testers, are projected to grow 17% from 2023 to 2033, adding approximately 327,900 jobs. The Software Engineering field in Pennsylvania continues to evolve, with increasing focus on:
AI and Machine Learning Integration: In the software industry, along with the rest of tech, artificial intelligence will have a major impact on spending and hiring in 2025 and beyond. Engineers who can work alongside AI tools rather than compete with them will command premium salaries.
Cybersecurity and Privacy: With increasing digital transformation, security-focused software engineers are seeing elevated demand and compensation.
Cloud-Native Development: The demand for cloud engineering continues to rise, with significant growth in cloud infrastructure services. Proficiency in Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS) is increasingly valuable.
Sustainable and Green Technology: Pennsylvania’s focus on clean technology creates opportunities in energy management software, carbon tracking systems, and sustainable infrastructure.
Autonomous Systems: Carnegie Mellon ranked second in the nation in computer science R&D spending with $449 million in 2022. Software Engineering Institute (SEI), which is measured separately from CMU, reached $129.3 million. This research investment translates into job opportunities in robotics, autonomous vehicles, and intelligent systems.
One major reason for the optimistic forecast for software workers is the heightened demand for expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics.
The data presented in this article was compiled through an analysis of 884 publicly available software engineering salaries in Pennsylvania. Salaries, required education levels, work 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 software engineer pay in Pennsylvania.
Conclusion
The Software Engineering profession offers exceptional earning potential across Pennsylvania, with the median Software Engineer salary reaching $116,098 USD annually. While education provides a foundation, experience and specialization significantly influence salary levels. Location choices and company selection have equally important impacts on total compensation packages.
We know job searching and career planning can be overwhelming, especially in a rapidly changing market. The key is to view these trends not as threats but as opportunities to position yourself strategically. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to level up, Pennsylvania’s software engineering market offers tremendous potential for those willing to adapt and grow with the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
