As of October 01, 2025, the average salary for a Software Engineer III in the United States is $128,709 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, a Software Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Engineer III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Engineer III's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Software Engineer III | $124,183 |
| Intermediate Level Software Engineer III | $124,937 |
| Senior Level Software Engineer III | $126,445 |
| Specialist Level Software Engineer III | $131,883 |
| Expert Level Software Engineer III | $134,740 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Software Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Engineer IIIs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Software Engineer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $122,135 and $128,293.
Software Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 2.0% |
| Associates | 1.4% |
| Bachelors | 46.1% |
| Masters | 44.2% |
| Doctorate | 6.0% |
Understanding how a Software Engineer III's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on October 01, 2025Salaries for a Software Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $126,969 in 2023 to around $125,720 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Engineer III salary trends, click here .
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $128,709 | 66.7% |
| Bonus | $11,612 | 6.0% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $10,735 | 5.6% |
| 401K/403B | $5,893 | 3.1% |
| Disability | $2,806 | 1.5% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 4.3% |
| Pension | $7,577 | 3.9% |
| Time Off | $17,270 | 9.0% |
| Total Compensation | $192,955 | 100% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Software Engineer III and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Software Engineer III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Software Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Engineer III is $162,341.
The highest pay for Software Engineer III is $150,138.
The lowest pay for Software Engineer III is $110,118.
Designs and develops software applications. Performs coding, debugging, testing and troubleshooting throughout the application development process. May direct a few junior level software engineers. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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