Software engineering is one of the most in-demand and highest-paying career options in India and across the globe. With the rapid growth of technology, startups, and IT companies, the demand for skilled software engineers continues to rise every year.
If you are planning to build a career in software development or already working in the industry, understanding the software engineer jobs salary structure can help you make better career decisions.
In this detailed guide, we will explore salary ranges for freshers, experienced engineers, city-wise salary trends, and factors that influence pay in 2026.
What Is the Average Software Engineer Jobs Salary in India?
The salary of a software engineer depends on various factors such as experience, company, skills, and location.
In India, the average annual salary of a software engineer ranges between:
However, engineers working in top product-based companies can earn even more.
Software Engineer Salary for Freshers (2026)
Freshers entering the IT industry can expect a decent starting package depending on their skills and company type.
| Experience Level | Average Salary (Per Year) |
| Fresher (0–1 Year) | ₹3 LPA – ₹6 LPA |
| Entry-Level (1–2 Years) | ₹5 LPA – ₹8 LPA |
Freshers with strong coding skills, internships, and project experience often earn higher packages
Software Engineer Salary for Experienced Professionals
As experience increases, salary growth becomes significant.
| Experience | Average Salary Range |
| 3–5 Years | ₹9 LPA – ₹18 LPA |
| 5–8 Years | ₹15 LPA – ₹30 LPA |
| 10+ Years | ₹25 LPA – ₹50+ LPA |
Senior engineers, tech leads, and architects can earn premium salaries in top companies
City-Wise Software Engineer Salary in India
Salary also varies depending on the city due to living costs and demand.
| City | Average Salary (Per Year) |
| Bangalore | ₹8 LPA – ₹20 LPA |
| Hyderabad | ₹7 LPA – ₹18 LPA |
| Pune | ₹6 LPA – ₹15 LPA |
| Chennai | ₹5 LPA – ₹14 LPA |
| Delhi NCR | ₹7 LPA – ₹19 LPA |
| Mumbai | ₹8 LPA – ₹22 LPA |
Bangalore is often called the “Silicon Valley of India” because it offers the highest number of tech jobs.
Software Engineer Salary in Top Companies
Top MNCs and product companies offer better compensation and benefits.
| Company Type | Salary Range |
| Service-Based Companies (TCS, Infosys) | ₹3.5 – ₹8 LPA |
| Product-Based Companies (Google, Amazon) | ₹20 – ₹50+ LPA |
| Startups (Funded) | ₹8 – ₹25 LPA |
Product-based companies generally provide higher packages compared to service-based firms.
Highest Paying Software Engineer Skills in 2026
Software engineers with in-demand skills earn significantly more
Top High-Paying Skills
- Full Stack Development
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Data Science & Analytics
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure)
- Cybersecurity
- DevOps Engineering
- Blockchain Development
Learning these skills can help you secure a high-paying role.
Software Engineer Jobs Salary Abroad (Global Salaries)
Software engineering is also one of the highest-paying careers abroad
| Country | Average Salary Per Year |
| USA | $90,000 – $150,000 |
| Canada | CAD 70,000 – 120,000 |
| Germany | €60,000 – €100,000 |
| UAE | AED 120,000 – 250,000 |
| Australia | AUD 80,000 – 140,000 |
International opportunities provide excellent salary packages with additional perks
How to Get a High Salary Software Engineer Job?
- Build strong coding fundamentals
- Learn industry-relevant skills
- Create real-world projects
- Do internships and freelance work
- Improve communication & teamwork
- Apply on trusted job platforms:
Search important jobs Link
| LinkedIn Jobs: | Click here |
| Indeed: | click here |
| Naukri.com: | click here |
FAQs – Software Engineer Jobs Salary
Q1. What is the starting salary of a software engineer in India?
A fresher can earn between ₹3 LPA and ₹6 LPA depending on skills and company
Q2. Which software job has the highest salary?
AI Engineer, Cloud Architect, and Data Scientist roles are among the highest-paying.
Q3. Can a software engineer earn ₹30 LPA in India?
Yes, with 5+ years of experience and product company skills, earning ₹30 LPA is possible
Conclusion
The software engineer jobs salary in 2026 continues to grow due to increasing demand in the tech industry. From freshers earning ₹3–6 LPA to senior engineers earning ₹50+ LPA, the salary potential in this field is excellent. If you want a stable and high-paying career, software engineering is one of the best options in today’s market.
