Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Compensation Guide

Software Engineer Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Comprehensive 2026 compensation analysis for Software Engineers in Philadelphia. Explore local wage distributions, net take-home pay, state tax implications, and rental affordability.

Philadelphia Median Pay
$142,500
$11,875/month gross
vs. National Benchmark
+8%
National avg: $132,000
Net Monthly Take-Home
$8,811
After federal & state taxes
Rent-to-Income Ratio
19%
1-bed rent: $1,650/mo
State Income Tax: 6.8% estimated state & local tax burden
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Software Engineer Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia

Data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS and adjusted for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania metro market factors.

10th Percentile
$88,500
Entry level
25th Percentile
$113,500
Early career
50th (Median)
$142,500
Metro benchmark
75th Percentile
$181,500
Senior level
90th Percentile
$221,500
Staff / Lead

Estimated Paycheck & Tax Withholdings

Annual Gross Salary:$142,500
Estimated Federal Income Tax:-$27,075
Estimated State/Local Tax (6.8%):-$9,690
Annual Net Take-Home:$105,735
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Net Monthly Paycheck:$8,811
Median 1-Bed Rent:-$1,650
Discretionary Income:~$7,161/mo

Compare Software Engineer in Philadelphia vs. Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions: Software Engineer in Philadelphia

What is the average Software Engineer salary in Philadelphia?

The median base salary for a Software Engineer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $142,500 per year ($11,875/month). Entry-level roles start around $88,500, while senior and staff-level professionals earn up to $221,500.

How does Philadelphia Software Engineer pay compare to the national average?

Software Engineer salaries in Philadelphia are 8% above the U.S. national benchmark of $132,000.

What is the estimated monthly take-home pay for a Software Engineer in Philadelphia?

At the median salary of $142,500, the estimated monthly net take-home pay in Philadelphia is approximately $8,811 after deducting estimated federal taxes ($2,256/mo) and state/local taxes ($808/mo).

Is Philadelphia affordable for a Software Engineer?

With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,650/month, housing consumes approximately 19% of a Software Engineer's estimated net take-home pay, which is well within the recommended 30% financial guideline.

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