Software Engineer Salary in Richmond
2026 compensation data for Software Engineer positions in Richmond, VA. Ranges from $74,000 (entry-level) to $214,000 (senior). Median: $133,000.
Median (Mid)
$133,000
$63.94/hr
vs National
+4%
US: $128,000
COL Index
100
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$214,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $74,000 | $90,000 | $109,000 | $43.27/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $109,000 | $133,000 | $157,000 | $63.94/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $152,000 | $181,000 | $214,000 | $87.02/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Richmond
A mid-level software engineer earning $133,000 in Richmond has the same buying power as $133,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 100).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Software Engineer Salaries in Richmond
The median software engineer salary in Richmond, VA is $133,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 4% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 100 (national average = 100), Richmond offers an affordable cost of living, making these salaries stretch further.
Entry-level software engineers in Richmond can expect to earn between $74,000 and $109,000 (about $43.27/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $214,000 ($214K annually, or about $102.88/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Richmond.
Frequently Asked Questions: Software Engineer Salary in Richmond
What is the average Software Engineer salary in Richmond?+
The average Software Engineer salary in Richmond is $133,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $90,000 and senior-level pay reaches $181,000.
How much does an entry-level software engineer make in Richmond?+
Entry-level software engineers in Richmond earn between $74,000 and $109,000, with a median of $90,000 per year (about $43.27/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Software Engineer in Richmond?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Software Engineer in Richmond earns roughly $43.27/hour at entry-level, $63.94/hour at mid-level, and $87.02/hour at senior-level.
Is the Software Engineer salary in Richmond higher than the US average?+
Yes — Software Engineer salaries in Richmond are about 4% higher than the US national median of $128,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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