8 Leading Cities in the U.S. for Software Engineers in 2025
Your next career move might be a zip code change.
Not all tech hubs are created equal. Whether you're fresh out of boot camp or deep into your engineering career, where you live can shape your opportunities, salary, and quality of life. From startups to giants like Amazon, Google, and Apple, companies are expanding far beyond Silicon Valley.
Cities across the U.S. offer lucrative roles, strong tech communities, and reasonable living costs, if you know where to look. Here’s a look at some of the leading U.S. cities for software engineers based on their salaries and opportunities.
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Here are 8 leading U.S. cities for software engineers in 2025
/8. Dallas, Texas
This city has quietly become a serious contender in the tech industry. While it might not have the headline-grabbing reputation of Silicon Valley, its growth has been impressive. With a population of 1.3 million and an average salary of around $106,731 per year (according to Indeed), software engineers here enjoy a strong earning potential combined with a relatively low cost of living.
Major employers like Goldman Sachs and Southwest Airlines are expanding their tech operations in the area, and the city’s business-friendly climate makes it an attractive landing spot for companies and professionals alike. Plus, no state income tax helps stretch your paycheck even further.
/7. Atlanta, Georgia
This city is no longer just the home of Coca-Cola and CNN. It’s quickly becoming a tech hotspot in the Southeast. Software engineers earn an average of $111,609 annually (per Indeed), and the city's surge in technology-focused companies is fueling job creation.
With Georgia Tech feeding local talent into the workforce and major players like NCR and Mailchimp headquartered nearby, Atlanta’s tech scene has real depth. Add in a reasonable cost of living and a vibrant cultural scene, and you've got a city where both your career and social life can thrive.
/6. Boston, Massachusetts
The city blends history with high-tech. With world-class universities like MIT and Harvard in its backyard, it is a magnet for talent and innovation.
According to Indeed, the average salary for software engineers is about $132,026. Boston is home to companies like Bose, Wayfair, and Fidelity Investments, and it's a hub for biotech and fintech. The cost of living is on the higher end, but so is the quality of the job market—and the intellectual stimulation.
/5. Colorado Springs, Colorado
It may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think “tech city,” but it should be. With an average salary of over $108,000 (according to Indeed), software engineers here benefit from solid pay and beautiful surroundings.
Companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing have a strong presence, particularly in cybersecurity and aerospace. It's also less crowded and more affordable than nearby Denver, making it ideal for those who want access to a strong tech network without big-city headaches.
/4. Austin, Texas
In recent years, Austin has become synonymous with tech innovation. Nicknamed “Silicon Hills,” it’s home to a massive Apple campus, as well as operations for Dell, General Motors, and countless startups.
Indeed reports that the average software engineer in Austin makes about $119,282 annually. But what makes Austin especially appealing is its lifestyle—great food, live music, outdoor spaces, and, again, no state income tax. The vibe is creative and entrepreneurial, and the tech community is collaborative and growing fast.
/3. New York City, New York
It might not be known as a tech-first city, but it absolutely should be. With an average software engineer salary of $149,906 (according to Indeed), it offers some of the highest pay in the country.
NYC is a diverse tech ecosystem, with opportunities in finance, media, e-commerce, and more. Companies like Google, Meta, and Mastercard have major offices here. The cost of living is steep, but so are the career possibilities—and the cultural energy is unmatched.
/2. Seattle, Washington
Seattle has long been a heavyweight when it comes to tech. It's a lucrative place to work with an average software engineer salary of $142,588, as per Indeed.
Home to both Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle offers unmatched opportunities to work at top-tier companies. The city has a dense network of engineers, strong mentorship opportunities, and a competitive tech culture. The cost of living is high, but many find the salaries, job mobility, and access to nature more than make up for it.
/1. San Francisco, California
San Francisco still sits at the peak of the tech world. With the highest average software engineer salary on this list—about $159,752 (according to Indeed)—it’s the most lucrative place to work in tech.
Companies like Salesforce and Uber call it home, and the concentration of talent is unmatched. However, the cost of living is also sky-high. But for those who want to be at the epicenter of tech, it remains the top destination.
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Conclusion
Where you live as a software engineer can shape more than just your paycheck. It can define your lifestyle, career path, and overall happiness. High salaries in cities like San Francisco or New York come with steep living costs and intense competition. Meanwhile, places like Austin, Denver, or Atlanta offer strong tech scenes, great pay, and a better balance.
It’s not just about the money. Think about what matters to you: community, cost of living, growth opportunities, or access to nature. The best city is the one that fits your goals, values, and the kind of life you want to live outside of work. The good news? You’ve got options—and plenty of them.
