Lead Software Engineer salary in United States

Average Yearly Salary of Lead Software Engineer in United States is approximately 138,191 USD (137,828 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Lead Software Engineer do?

A lead software engineer is a senior-level position responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of software solutions within an organization. They lead a team of software engineers, providing technical guidance, mentoring, and support throughout the software development life cycle. The lead software engineer collaborates with stakeholders to gather requirements, design software architecture, and ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget. They also conduct code reviews, identify and resolve technical issues, and make recommendations for process improvements.

Skills: Lead Software Engineer, Software Development, Team Management, Technical Guidance, Software Architecture, Project Delivery
Job industry: Technology

How much does Lead Software Engineer make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Lead Software Engineer a well paid job?

Yes, our data show that Lead Software Engineer is a very well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Lead Software Engineer?

High salary for Lead Software Engineer would be somewhere between 152,010 USD and 200,377 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Lead Software Engineer in United States?

Living in United States the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 138,191 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,516 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,658 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 66 USD per hour
By working as Lead Software Engineer a person can save up to 9,206 USD per month or 110,468 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United States, see costs of living in United States.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Lead Software Engineer

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in United States

Data as of 2025

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