TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Software Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$299,491/yr
Typical range: $254,475 – $312,912
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Software Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Software Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $137,604 | $11,467 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $169,982 | $14,165 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $191,567 | $15,964 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $221,785 | $18,482 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $299,491 | $24,958 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $375,578 | $31,298 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $394,600 | $32,883 | +187% |
Current Salary
$299,491
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $144/hr
Next Level Target
$375,578
Principal · 14
+$76Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
56/100
Moderate
+25% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Software Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Software Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $299K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Software Engineer make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $299K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $144/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Software Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Software Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $254K–$313K/yr.