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Software Engineering
M5 - Director
The median salary range for Software Engineering (M5) roles disclosed in public job postings is $218k - $288k as of Sep 2026, based on 2,194 job postings from 412 companies.
Salary Range
Low
$217,900
14%
Mid
$252,700
14%
High
$287,500
Level Comparison
| Level | Sample Size | Low | Mid | High | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC1 Entry 0-1 YOE Contributes to smaller projects under detailed guidance. | Very Large 559 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 2,083 Data Points | $125,000 | $143,750 | $162,500 | |
IC3 Proficient 5-7 YOE Owns specific projects and requires minimal guidance. Skills are fully developed. | Very Large 1,955 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 4,189 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 1,541 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 1,284 Data Points | $186,500 | $215,750 | $245,000 | |
M3 Manager Directly supervises a team of individual contributors and is accountable for their results. | Very Large 993 Data Points | $182,750 | $208,375 | $234,000 | |
M4 Sr. Manager Experienced people manager responsible for setting objectives, observing budgets, and tracking results. | Very Large 570 Data Points | $195,650 | $227,825 | $260,000 | |
M5 Director Oversees managers or leads their own department. Responsible for vision, strategy, hiring, and results. | Very Large 380 Data Points | $217,900 | $252,700 | $287,500 | |
M6 Sr. Director Manages senior leaders in various groups. Responsible for a business function. | Very Large 128 Data Points | $250,000 | $290,000 | $330,000 |