Technology · Level IC2
Software Engineer
A mid-level engineer who owns features end-to-end with minimal guidance, writes reliable, well-tested code, and increasingly reviews and directs AI-generated output rather than competing with it.
Indicative, sourced ranges — not a guarantee. BLS OEWS May 2025 Software Developers (15-1252): p25 $105,210 / p50 $135,980 / p75 $171,980 (via O*NET); Levels.fyi SWE title median total ~$192k
Career Score
78/100 · ExceptionalIndicative role rating — same inputs give the same score. It rates the role, not you, and never predicts an outcome.
Strong pay headroom above this role — the ladder keeps climbing.
Hiring demand is high.
Many tasks automatable, but mid-level judgement, integration and ownership less so; AI is a productivity multiplier here more than a replacement. These tasks are automating — move up the scope ladder.
High barrier — difficulty, study load, or competition.
Long-term headroom above is high.
Work–life sustainability is moderate.
Explore & decide
The pay-vs-effort call, the routes in, and how it stacks up.
At a glance
AI & this role: Many tasks automatable, but mid-level judgement, integration and ownership less so; AI is a productivity multiplier here more than a replacement. The move is to climb the scope ladder, not to fear the tool.
What differentiates you at this level
- Own features end-to-end with minimal guidance
- Testing, debugging and code quality at scale
- API and data-model design basics
- ai-leverageReviewing and correcting AI-generated code
Where this leads — your highest-value routes
Ranked by pay ceiling. Progression is driven by scope and level transitions, not tenure.
Credentials that help
Credentials help entry and specialisation; they don't gate senior or leadership roles — scope does.
- CS / related bachelor's degree · $10k-$40k+/yr public in-state to private; highly variable
- Coding bootcamp (e.g. Hack Reactor, App Academy, Nucamp) · ~$13,584
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) · ~$150
See current US Software Engineer listings mapped to your level, in your metro.
Browse Software Engineer jobs →FAQ
Typical US total compensation is $140,000–$204,000 (median $168,000), indicative and metro-dependent — see the pay breakdown.
Many tasks automatable, but mid-level judgement, integration and ownership less so; AI is a productivity multiplier here more than a replacement. The move is up the scope ladder, not away from AI.
The highest-value route is toward Director of Engineering (up to $660,000).