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Software Engineering
IC3 - Proficient
The median salary range for Software Engineering (IC3) roles disclosed in public job postings is $140k - $186k as of Oct 2026, based on 25,215 job postings from 1,395 companies.
Salary Range
Low
$140,000
14%
Mid
$163,125
14%
High
$186,250
Level Comparison
| Level | Sample Size | Low | Mid | High | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC1 Entry 0-1 YOE Contributes to smaller projects under detailed guidance. | Very Large 656 Data Points | $100,000 | $115,000 | $130,000 | |
IC2 Developing 2-4 YOE Contributes to projects under general guidance. Skills are relatively developed with room for growth. | Very Large 2,210 Data Points | $125,000 | $143,688 | $162,375 | |
IC3 Proficient 5-7 YOE Owns specific projects and requires minimal guidance. Skills are fully developed. | Very Large 2,071 Data Points | $140,000 | $163,125 | $186,250 | |
IC4 Advanced 8-11 YOE Owns complex projects and drives their direction. Displays in-depth and broad skills and expertise. | Very Large 4,515 Data Points | $150,000 | $172,600 | $195,200 | |
IC5 Expert 12+ YOE A very experienced team member who leads large, high-priority projects that impact company-level goals. | Very Large 1,702 Data Points | $180,000 | $205,000 | $230,000 | |
IC6 Advisory An authority in their field who defines and drives initiatives with long-term strategic impact. | Very Large 1,356 Data Points | $185,450 | $214,225 | $243,000 | |
M3 Manager Directly supervises a team of individual contributors and is accountable for their results. | Very Large 1,070 Data Points | $182,750 | $208,838 | $234,926 | |
M4 Sr. Manager Experienced people manager responsible for setting objectives, observing budgets, and tracking results. | Very Large 598 Data Points | $198,696 | $229,348 | $260,000 | |
M5 Director Oversees managers or leads their own department. Responsible for vision, strategy, hiring, and results. | Very Large 407 Data Points | $220,000 | $254,000 | $288,000 | |
M6 Sr. Director Manages senior leaders in various groups. Responsible for a business function. | Very Large 137 Data Points | $250,000 | $290,000 | $330,000 |