▼7%
$131,206
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$87k
MEDIAN
$131k
90%
$145k
The average salary for a Software Design Engineer (SDE) is $131,206 in 2025
Base Salary
$87k - $145k
Bonus
$12k - $20k
Profit Sharing
$5k - $6k
Total Pay
$99k - $171k
Is Average Software Design Engineer (SDE) with Amazon Web Services (AWS) Skills Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Software Design Engineer (SDE)s?
▼2%
What Do Software Design Engineer (SDE)s Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Software Design Engineer (SDE)
Medical
100%
Dental
100%
Vision
100%
Gender Breakdown for Software Design Engineer (SDE)s
Female
50.0%
Male
50.0%
This data is based on 2 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Software Design Engineer (SDE)s
What is the highest pay for Software Design Engineer (SDE)s?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Software Design Engineer (SDE) is $145k / year
What is the lowest pay for Software Design Engineer (SDE)s?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Software Design Engineer (SDE) is $87k / year
How can Software Design Engineer (SDE)s increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Software Design Engineer (SDE) 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 Software Design Engineer (SDE) that oversees more junior Software Design Engineer (SDE)s, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.