▼28%
$131,387
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$94k
MEDIAN
$131k
90%
$170k
The average salary for a Lead Software Engineer is $131,387 in 2025
Base Salary
$94k - $170k
Bonus
$3k - $24k
Profit Sharing
$2k - $21k
Total Pay
$95k - $182k
Is Average Lead Software Engineer Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Lead Software Engineers?
What Do Lead Software Engineers Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
How do Lead Software Engineers Rate Their Jobs?
Based on 369 responses, the job of Lead Software Engineer has received a job satisfaction rating of 3.95 out of 5. On average, Lead Software Engineers are highly satisfied with their job.
Common Health Benefits for a Lead Software Engineer
Medical
89%
Dental
83%
Vision
78%
None
10%
Gender Breakdown for Lead Software Engineers
Male
86.7%
Female
12.3%
Prefer to self-define
0.9%
This data is based on 1,207 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Lead Software Engineers
What is the highest pay for Lead Software Engineers?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Lead Software Engineer is $170k / year
What is the lowest pay for Lead Software Engineers?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Lead Software Engineer is $94k / year
How can Lead Software Engineers increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Lead Software Engineer is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Lead Software Engineer that oversees more junior Lead Software Engineers, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.