Backend Engineer Salary Guide: How Much Can You Earn?

Last updated by Nahush Gowda on Sep 02, 2024 at 12:05 PM | Reading time:

There is still a lot of demand for backend engineers and if you are a beginner or a even experienced, you might be wondering what backend engineer salary looks like in 2024. The average salary for a backend engineer is decent enough and it can increase substantially as you move up the ladder and gain more experience.

Backend engineers are essential for developing and maintaining the server-side components of websites or any application. With increasing demand for web applications for generative AI applications, there is also a rise in demand for skilled backend developers.

Backend engineer salary is often lucrative and there are numerous opportunities for growth. In this blog, we will explore the current salary trends for backend engineers in the U.S., key factors influencing pay, and tips on how to maximize your salary as backend engineer.

Average Backend Engineer Salary in the US

The average salary for a backend engineer in the United States may differ depending on many factors such as location, experience level, and skill set. We will get to this later in this article but the average base salary of a backend engineer across the US only is roughly $99,000 depending on your experience and skill level.

According to PayScale, the Backend Engineer Salary typically ranges from as low as $61,000 to around $146,000. According to Salary.com, the estimates are a little higher with an average salary of around $124,070 per year.

While there is quite a discrepancy in these figures, it is due to different data sources and the varying sample sizes or demographics surveyed. However, these numbers give a general idea of what a backend engineer can expect to earn on average in the U.S.

As companies increasingly seek out backend engineers, demand is driving competition among businesses, competing to attract the best talent. The competition to attract the best talent is more pronounced in tech hubs like San Francisco's Silicon Valley or cities like New York City and Seattle.

Backend Engineer Salary According to Experience Level

Backend Engineer salary can vary quite a lot based on experience. The following chart shows how the average salaries vary by experience.

Experience	Backend Engineer Salary (Average)
Entry level (0-2 years)	$72,000 - $90,000
Mid-level (3-5 years)	$90,000 - $115,000
Senior-Level (5+ years)	$1350,000 - $180,000

1) Entry Level Backend Engineer Salary (0-2 years of experience)

An entry-level backend engineer would earn an average of $72K-$90k annually. Engineers are usually learning the ropes, understanding the code base of an organization, and gaining some hands-on experience at this stage. Backend engineers at this stage usually work under the supervision of more experienced engineers and are involved in less complex tasks.

2) Mid-Level Backend Engineer Salary (3-5 years of experience)
Back-end engineers can earn between $90,000 and $115,000 annually with a few years of experience under their belt. At this point, mid-level engineers have grown beyond their broad understanding of backend systems and generally branch out to more complex subjects or will tackle larger projects as well with a meticulous approach. They’ll typically work on more standalone projects or begin to take the lead with some teams/ smaller projects.

3) Senior-Level Backend Engineer Salary (5+ years of experience)
Senior backend engineers with over five years in the business may expect and command salaries that go well into six figures, ranging from $135,000 up to $180,000 or higher each year. Senior backend engineers are expected to have a mastery over backend architecture and be proficient in more than one programming language. They also train junior engineers and play a significant role in strategic decisions.

Backend Engineer Salary in Different States of the USA

Another critical factor that affects the backend engineer salary is location. Generally speaking, if a state is home to more tech companies or has generally higher costs of living throughout the region, it offers salaries that are typically much better to attract and retain top talent.
Here is a state-by-state overview of average salaries:

State	Average Salary
California	$145,000 - $180,000
New York	$130,000 - $165,000
Washington	$120,000 - $155,000
Texas	$110,000 - $140,000
Florida	$100,000 - $125,000
Illinois	$115,000 - $150,000
Massachusetts	$125,000 - $160,000
Colorado	$110,000 - $135,000

California and New York are known for their high-paying tech jobs, largely due to the presence of major tech hubs like Silicon Valley and New York City. Washington, home to tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, also offers competitive salaries.

On the other hand, states like Texas and Florida provide relatively high salaries but with a lower cost of living, making them attractive locations for backend engineers seeking a balance between salary and lifestyle.

Factors Affecting the Backend Engineer Salary in the US

Here are the most important factors that affect the backend engineer salary in the US

1) Location

As indicated earlier, the salary can vary quite according to the location. Tech hubs like San Francisco and New York City might have some of the highest salaries, but the cost of living there is also quite high. However, in cities like Austin (Texas), the cost of living is considerably lower but also offers competitive salaries.

2) Industry

Backend engineers working in finance, tech, and healthcare typically make more than those in the education or government sector. Industries like tech and healthcare often pay more because the required skills are higher and the nature of work is more complicated and demands innovation.

3) Company Size

Larger companies overall offer more money to spend on employee salaries than startups do. However, this is not always true because innovative startups offer some of the best salaries and provide stock options to attract top talent.

4) Skills, Certifications, and Education

Specializing in Python, Java, and Node.js, or having experience with AWS and Azure increases your value as a backend engineer. Having high-demand skills can fetch you higher salaries and continually upskilling yourself with relevant certifications also contribute to higher salaries. While practical experience is often more valuable than formal education in the tech industry, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field can still positively impact your salary, especially in more traditional or corporate environments.

Tips to Increase Backend Engineer Salary in 2024

Now that you understand the overall salary outlook in the USA and the factors that affect the backend engineer salary, here are some tips to maximize your earning potential as a backend developer.

1) Update Your Skills

The tech industry constantly evolves over time and staying updated with the latest tools, programming languages, backend technologies and frameworks is crucial. Keeping yourself updated with the latest backend developer skills makes you a more valuable asset to the recruiter, which can fetch you higher salaries.

2) Get Relevant Certifications

Certifications in cloud computing (like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect), database management (such as Oracle Certified Professional), or cybersecurity can set you apart from other candidates and you can justify a higher salary.

3) Expand Your Role and Responsibilities

Assuming more responsibilities, for example in project management or leading a team also shows you are willing to take on leadership roles and deepen your commitment to the employer. Given more responsibilities, you can negotiate for higher salaries without switching companies and climbing the career ladder.

4) Network and Build Professional

Relationships Networking with the right professionals in the industries can open doors for new job offers or offer a perspective on what others are offering in the industry. Attend industry conferences, become a member of professional groups, and connect with other engineers to stay updated about the industry.

5) Consider Relocating

If possible, you can consider relocating to a city where there is a higher demand for backend engineers. While relocation can be a significant life decision, it can help you earn a higher salary. Having said that, remote opportunities are plenty and you can search for companies in tech hubs that typically have higher salaries.

6) Negotiate For a Higher Salary

Do not be afraid to negotiate for a higher salary and aim for a promotion especially, if you have experience, skills, and/or certifications that are in demand. Research how much a backend engineer salary is based on experience, skills, and region, and present your case for a higher salary.

Upskill Yourself and Get the Best Backend Engineer Salary With Interview Kickstart

If you're looking to maximize your earning potential as a backend engineer, developing strong technical skills and mastering coding interviews are essential steps. Interview Kickstart's Backend Engineering Interview Masterclass is designed specifically to help you achieve these goals.

Taught by our experienced instructors who are seasoned engineers from top tech companies, this course offers in-depth training to help you tackle the toughest technical interviews.

The masterclass provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes coding problem-solving techniques, data structures and algorithms, and system design concepts, all tailored to the backend engineering domain.

Additionally, you'll receive guidance on crafting standout resumes and optimizing your online presence to attract the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. Read our success stories to see how we’ve helped countless backend developers advance their careers and secure positions at leading tech companies.

FAQs: Backend Engineer Salary Guide

Q1. What is the average backend engineer salary in the U.S?

The average backend engineer salary in the U.S. ranges from $97,000 to $124,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry.

Q2. How does experience affect backend engineer salary?

Experience significantly impacts backend engineer salaries. Entry-level engineers typically earn between $72,000 and $90,000, while senior engineers can make upwards of $135,000 annually.

Q3. Which states offer the highest backend engineer salaries?

States like California and New York offer the highest backend engineer salaries, often exceeding $145,000 due to high demand and the presence of major tech companies.

Q4. Can certifications increase the salary of a backend engineer?

Yes, obtaining certifications in relevant areas such as cloud computing or cybersecurity can enhance your skill set and potentially lead to a higher backend engineer salary.

Q5. What skills are most valuable for increasing a backend engineer salary?

Skills in programming languages like Python, Java, and SQL, as well as experience with cloud platforms like AWS, are highly valued and can boost a backend engineer's salary.

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Nahush Gowda

Back-End Engineering

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Nahush Gowda

Attend our Free Webinar on How to Nail Your Next Technical Interview

How to Nail your next Technical Interview

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Tools to Enhance Full Stack Development with AI

The Future of Data Science: Emerging Trends and Opportunities

Data-Driven Decision Making: Your Roadmap to Business Success

The Business Impact of Machine Learning: Real-world Case Studies

What is OpenAI? Everything You Need to Know

Mock Interviews for Generative AI: Essential Practice to Land Top AI Roles

Top Python Scripting Interview Questions and Answers You Should Practice

Complex SQL Interview Questions for Interview Preparation

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