Software Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania$122,400 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Software Engineer Salary in Philadelphia

Entry Level
$78,030
Median
$122,400
Senior Level
$175,950

Software Engineer salaries in Philadelphia are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

JavaScriptPythonSQLGitProblem Solving

Software Engineer Job Market in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA is a major regional employment hub for Software Engineer professionals. With a population of 1.6 million, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. The city's strong Healthcare and Education sectors create robust demand for Software Engineer talent. With high demand and 25% projected growth, qualified Software Engineers often receive multiple offers and competitive packages.

Top Companies Hiring Software Engineers in Philadelphia

ComcastSAPBentley SystemsSEI InvestmentsGuru

Major employers hiring Software Engineers in Philadelphia include Comcast, SAP, Bentley Systems, SEI Investments, and Guru. Many companies offer competitive benefits including remote/hybrid work options, comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Software Engineers in Philadelphia

Living in Philadelphia as a Software Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. At median Software Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 19% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Software Engineer in Philadelphia

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute time is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey. Subway lines are efficient for Center City commutes. Many Software Engineer positions offer remote or hybrid options, which can significantly reduce commute frequency.

Best neighborhoods for Software Engineers in Philadelphia: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Software Engineer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Software Engineers

The job outlook for Software Engineers in Philadelphia is growing. Industry projections suggest 25% growth over the next decade, outpacing many other professions. Philadelphia's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include JavaScript, Python, SQL, Git.

Relocating to Philadelphia

Many Software Engineer roles offer remote work. If relocating primarily for a job, confirm the remote policy - you may have more location flexibility than expected.

Remote Work for Software Engineers in Philadelphia

Software Engineer roles are highly suited for remote work, and many Philadelphia employers offer fully remote or hybrid positions. This flexibility can significantly impact your housing choices - you may be able to live in more affordable neighborhoods further from downtown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Software Engineer salary in Philadelphia, PA?

The average Software Engineer salary in Philadelphia, PA is $122,400 per year. Entry-level Software Engineers typically start around $78,030, while experienced professionals can earn $175,950 or more. The national average for Software Engineer roles is $120,000.

How many Software Engineer jobs are available in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a strong job market with regular openings for Software Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Software Engineers include Comcast, SAP, Bentley Systems, SEI Investments. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Philadelphia a good city for Software Engineers?

Philadelphia is an very good choice for Software Engineers. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for technology & software professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Software Engineers in Philadelphia?

Top skills for Software Engineers in Philadelphia include JavaScript, Python, SQL, Git, Problem Solving. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork. Relevant certifications like AWS Certified or Google Cloud Professional can strengthen your candidacy.

What is the cost of living for Software Engineers in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Software Engineers in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey. Many Software Engineer positions offer remote or hybrid work options, which can significantly reduce commute frequency.

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