Pay by Role
United States · Salary comparison

Frontend Developer vs Software Engineer salary

In United States, a frontend developer earns about 4% more than a software engineer $142,000 vs $136,000 per year.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Pays more
Technology
Frontend Developer
$142,000/yr
Monthly
$11,800
Hourly
$68
Range
$93,400$201,400
10-yr outlook
+16%
Technology
Software Engineer
$136,000/yr
Monthly
$11,300
Hourly
$65
Range
$87,000$195,800
10-yr outlook
+17%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileFrontend DeveloperSoftware Engineer
Entry (10th)$93,400$87,000
25th$117,700$111,500
Median$142,000$136,000
75th$171,700$165,900
Senior (90th)$201,400$195,800

National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Technology comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a frontend developer or software engineer earn more in United States?
A frontend developer earns more, at about $142,000 per year vs $136,000 for a software engineer — roughly 4% ($6,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
A frontend developer typically earns $93,400–$201,400, while a software engineer earns $87,000–$195,800 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
On a monthly basis before tax, a frontend developer averages about $11,800 and a software engineer about $11,300.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in United States, a frontend developer earns about $93,400 while a software engineer earns about $87,000 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in United States, a frontend developer earns about $201,400 while a software engineer earns about $195,800 per year.
Are frontend developer and software engineer similar careers?
Both roles sit in the Technology category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.