Hiring a senior software engineer: the market today
The short answer ·
804 open postings ask for a senior software engineer as of Sep 25, 2026, from 110 employers. The median advertised minimum is $160,000. 344 of those postings are new in the last 30 days, so expect competition.
804open postings
110employers hiring
$160,000median advertised minimum
344new in 30 days
Who you're competing with
Open postings · Ayla, 2026-09-25
What it pays
Advertised minimum, 584 postings with pay · OPM actual pay, Jul 2026
Questions buyers ask
How hard is it to hire a senior software engineer?
Hard. 110 employers are hiring the role right now, led by Anduril Industries with 104 open postings.
What should I pay a senior software engineer?
Advertised minimums center on $160,000. Federal staff in series 2210 average $147,509 in actual pay.