| Software publishers | $76,450 |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 75,890 |
| Computer systems design and related services | 71,890 |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 70,090 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 67,260 |
Median annual earnings of computer systems software engineers who worked full time in 2002 were about $74,040. The middle 50 percent earned between $58,500 and $91,160. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $45,890, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $111,600. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer systems software engineers in 2002 are shown below:
| Scientific research and development services | $82,270 |
| Software publishers | 77,120 |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 76,200 |
| Computer systems design and related services | 73,460 |
| Wired telecommunications carriers | 68,510 |
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salary offers for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering averaged $51,343 in 2003, and those with a master’s degree averaged $64,200. Starting salary offers for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science averaged $47,109.
According to Robert Half International, starting salaries for software engineers in software development ranged from $64,250 to $97,000 in 2003.
In addition to typical benefits, computer software engineers may be provided with profit sharing, stock options, and a company car with a mileage allowance.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook