Industry Salary Guides
Detailed salary information for various industries, roles, and experience levels to help you benchmark compensation and make informed career decisions.
Understanding Salary Data
Salary ranges vary widely based on multiple factors including industry, role, experience level, company size, location, and individual performance. The information below represents typical ranges based on national averages, but your specific situation may differ.
For personalized estimates, use our salary calculators and consider factors like your unique skills, education, and local job market conditions.
Salary Ranges by Industry
Technology Industry
One of the highest-paying sectors with rapidly evolving roles and strong demand for specialized skills.
Software Engineer
$120,000 medianTypical salary range: $75,000 - $170,000
Salary by Experience Level
Entry Level (0-2 years)
$75,000 - $95,000
Mid Level (3-5 years)
$95,000 - $130,000
Senior (6-10 years)
$130,000 - $170,000
Lead/Principal (10+ years)
$170,000 - $220,000+
Data Scientist
$125,000 medianTypical salary range: $85,000 - $175,000
Salary by Experience Level
Entry Level (0-2 years)
$85,000 - $105,000
Mid Level (3-5 years)
$105,000 - $135,000
Senior (6-10 years)
$135,000 - $175,000
Lead/Principal (10+ years)
$175,000 - $230,000+
Product Manager
$130,000 medianTypical salary range: $80,000 - $180,000
Salary by Experience Level
Associate (0-2 years)
$80,000 - $100,000
Product Manager (3-5 years)
$100,000 - $140,000
Senior PM (6-10 years)
$140,000 - $180,000
Director (10+ years)
$180,000 - $250,000+
Understanding Career Levels
| Career Level | Typical Experience | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | 0-2 years | Beginning of your career, focused on learning fundamentals, usually requires supervision and follows established processes. |
| Mid Level | 3-5 years | Gained solid experience, works independently on projects, provides some mentorship to junior staff, contributes to team decisions. |
| Senior Level | 6-10 years | Expert in field, leads complex projects, mentors junior staff, influences strategy, and makes significant technical or business decisions. |
| Principal/Lead | 10+ years | Deep domain knowledge, shapes department strategy, leads large teams or initiatives, sets standards and best practices. |
| Executive/Director | Varies | Responsible for organizational direction, manages departments or business units, focuses on long-term planning and cross-functional leadership. |
Note: Career levels can vary significantly between companies and industries. Some organizations may have more granular levels or different titles for similar roles.
Regional Salary Differences
Location significantly impacts compensation. The data below shows how salaries in key markets typically compare to the national average for the same roles. Use these modifiers to adjust the industry salaries above for specific regions.
San Francisco Bay Area
+35%Highest salaries in the US, with significant premiums for tech roles, but also the highest cost of living.
New York City
+25%Premium salaries, especially in finance, law, and media, with very high cost of living.
Seattle
+20%Strong tech industry presence with high salaries and no state income tax, but rising cost of living.
Boston
+15%Above average salaries, particularly in education, healthcare, and biotech sectors.
Chicago
+10%Balanced market with moderate salary premiums and lower cost of living than coastal cities.
Austin
+5%Growing tech hub with increasing salaries, no state income tax, and relatively lower cost of living.
National Average
0%Baseline for comparison, typically aligned with medium-sized metropolitan areas.
Remote
VariesIncreasingly common, with salaries often based on company headquarters or employee location, sometimes with location-based adjustments.
Important Considerations
When comparing salaries across regions, remember to factor in:
- Cost of living (housing, transportation, food, taxes)
- Quality of life factors (commute times, amenities, climate)
- State income tax differences (some states have no income tax)
- Industry concentration in the region (tech hubs, financial centers)
- Remote work policies that may affect location-based compensation
Using This Data in Negotiation
Salary Negotiation Tips
- Research thoroughly: Know the salary range for your role, industry, location, and experience level before negotiating.
- Emphasize unique value: Highlight specialized skills, certifications, or experiences that differentiate you from other candidates.
- Consider the total package: Evaluate benefits, equity, bonuses, flexible work arrangements, and growth opportunities—not just base salary.
- Practice your pitch: Rehearse your talking points and anticipate counter-arguments to negotiate confidently.
- Time it right: Wait until you have an offer before discussing compensation, and consider negotiating after demonstrating your value.
Need more negotiation guidance?
Check out our detailed guide on salary negotiation techniques and scripts to help you prepare for your next compensation discussion.
View Negotiation GuideAbout This Data
The salary information presented on this page is compiled from multiple sources including government data, industry reports, compensation surveys, and proprietary research. It is intended to provide general guidance and was last updated in March 2023.
Actual salaries will vary based on numerous factors specific to individual situations, companies, and local markets. Company size, funding stage (for startups), and industry specialization can all significantly impact compensation levels.
For the most accurate and current information for your specific situation, consider consulting multiple sources including job postings, official salary surveys, professional associations, and networking with industry peers.
Compare Your Salary
Use our salary comparison calculator to see how your compensation stacks up against industry averages and explore what you could earn in different roles or locations.