SDE I Salary.
Across 81 U.S. cities.
$120,000
national median salary
$94,000 to $156,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$160,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$125,000
Sioux Falls, SD
Lowest Paying
$96,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026. Baseline derived from BLS SOC 15-1299. Full methodology.
The average SDE I salary in the United States is $120,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $94,000 at the 25th percentile to $156,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $160,000, while Sioux Falls offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments.
SDE I salary by city
Skills that increase SDE I pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for SDE Is based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $16,800 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$16,800 per year
≈ +$15,600 per year
≈ +$14,400 per year
≈ +$13,200 per year
≈ +$13,200 per year
≈ +$12,000 per year
≈ +$12,000 per year
≈ +$10,800 per year
Total compensation breakdown
Salary by company size
Remote salary adjustment
Remote SDE Is typically earn $108,000 (10% less than on-site). This reflects location-adjusted pay policies at companies using geographic salary bands. Some companies pay flat national rates regardless of location.
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