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Software Engineering
IC5 - Expert
The median salary range for Software Engineering (IC5) roles disclosed in public job postings is $180k - $230k as of Oct 2026, based on 13,578 job postings from 957 companies.
Salary Range
Low
$180,000
12%
Mid
$205,000
12%
High
$230,000
Level Comparison
| Level | Sample Size | Low | Mid | High | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC1 Entry 0-1 YOE Contributes to smaller projects under detailed guidance. | Very Large 714 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 2,296 Data Points | $125,000 | $142,500 | $160,000 | |
IC3 Proficient 5-7 YOE Owns specific projects and requires minimal guidance. Skills are fully developed. | Very Large 2,136 Data Points | $140,000 | $162,500 | $185,000 | |
IC4 Advanced 8-11 YOE Owns complex projects and drives their direction. Displays in-depth and broad skills and expertise. | Very Large 4,678 Data Points | $150,000 | $172,500 | $195,000 | |
IC5 Expert 12+ YOE A very experienced team member who leads large, high-priority projects that impact company-level goals. | Very Large 1,772 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 1,413 Data Points | $185,000 | $213,800 | $242,600 | |
M3 Manager Directly supervises a team of individual contributors and is accountable for their results. | Very Large 1,116 Data Points | $182,875 | $208,919 | $234,963 | |
M4 Sr. Manager Experienced people manager responsible for setting objectives, observing budgets, and tracking results. | Very Large 614 Data Points | $197,650 | $228,825 | $260,000 | |
M5 Director Oversees managers or leads their own department. Responsible for vision, strategy, hiring, and results. | Very Large 426 Data Points | $220,000 | $253,750 | $287,500 | |
M6 Sr. Director Manages senior leaders in various groups. Responsible for a business function. | Very Large 142 Data Points | $250,000 | $290,625 | $331,250 |