Hiring a software engineer: the market today
The short answer ·
6,008 open postings ask for a software engineer as of Nov 11, 2026, from 475 employers. The median advertised pay is $157,600, taking the midpoint of each posted range. 1,896 of those postings are new in the last 30 days, so expect competition.
Who you're competing with
Open postings · Ayla, Nov 11, 2026
What it pays
Advertised pay (range midpoints), 4,046 postings with pay · OPM actual pay, Sep 2026
Questions buyers ask
How hard is it to hire a software engineer?
Hard. 475 employers are hiring the role right now, led by Lockheed Martin with 607 open postings.
What should I pay a software engineer?
Advertised pay centers on $157,600. Federal staff in series 2210 average $147,616 in actual pay.
Where is a software engineer being hired?
As of Nov 11, 2026, the most open postings for the role are in California (1,463), Maryland (560) and Virginia (557). Together they hold 43% of its 6,008 open postings.
Who can help me hire a software engineer?
Ayla's recruiters, for government agencies and contractors. Send the role for a free market brief within two business days, then interview the people we find; you pay a placement fee when you hire.