Tech · Idaho

Software Engineer Salary in Idaho (2026)

Median Software Engineer salary in Idaho is approximately $115,300/year — about 7.0% below the national average.

Annual salary breakdown

$115,300
median annual salary in Idaho
Hourly (40 hr/week, 52 wk)
2,080 hours/year
$55
Weekly
$2,217
Biweekly (26 paychecks)
$4,435
Monthly
$9,608
Annual (gross)
$115,300

After-tax estimate

$84,573
estimated take-home/year
Gross salary
$115,300
Federal income tax (est.)
~14% effective
−$16,142
FICA (7.65%)
−$8,820
Idaho state tax (est.)
Approximate effective rate
−$5,765
Estimated take-home
$84,573
Monthly take-home
$7,048
For exact take-home, use our Idaho Paycheck Calculator.
Software Engineer salary by similar state (cost-of-living adjusted)
StateEstimated annualvs Idaho
Michigan$115,300+$0
Montana$115,300+$0
Wisconsin$115,300+$0
Wyoming$115,300+$0

Software Engineer salaries in Idaho, explained

The estimated median Software Engineer salary in Idaho is $115,300/year, which is about 7.0% below the US national median of $124,000. That works out to roughly $55/hour at a standard 40-hour week, $2,217/week, $4,435/biweekly, or $9,608/month before taxes.

Idaho ranks 29 of 51 US states (including DC) on a cost-of-living-adjusted compensation basis. The state multiplier of 0.93× reflects how typical wages adjust to local prices — higher in places like California, New York, and Massachusetts; lower in Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas.

What affects your actual salary

  • Experience level: entry-level often 25–35% below median, senior roles 40–60%+ above.
  • Metro area within Idaho: major metros pay more than rural areas. Bay Area vs Central Valley California is a 30%+ swing.
  • Employer size: large companies typically pay 10–20% more than small businesses for the same role.
  • Industry: a Software Engineer at a tech company makes more than at a non-tech employer; a Marketing Manager at a top brand earns more than at a startup.
  • Education and credentials: degrees and certifications can shift compensation by 15–30%.
  • Negotiation: simply asking for more and negotiating can move offers 5–15%.

Take-home pay in Idaho

Of the gross $115,300, you take home roughly $84,573 after federal income tax (~14% effective at this income level), FICA (7.65%), and Idaho's state income tax (roughly 5% effective). That's about $7,048/month after-tax.

For a precise after-tax calculation including 401(k) contributions, HSA, filing status, and state-specific brackets, use our Idaho Paycheck Calculator. For comparisons across cities, see the Paycheck Calculator with city-specific tax data.

Where this number comes from

Our estimate combines: (1) US national median for Software Engineer based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, and (2) Idaho's cost-of-living multiplier derived from BEA Regional Price Parities. The multiplier captures average wage adjustment to local prices — useful for budgeting and offer comparisons.

For more precise numbers specific to your role and metro: BLS OES (bls.gov/oes), Glassdoor, Levels.fyi (tech roles), salary.com, or LinkedIn Salary Insights. Cross-reference 2-3 sources before negotiation.

Related tools

Salary Calculator — convert hourly to annual. Idaho Paycheck Calculator — exact take-home. Income Tax Calculator — federal tax with brackets. Idaho Mortgage Calculator — what you can afford. Investment Calculator — long-term growth from this income.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Software Engineer salary in Idaho?
The estimated median Software Engineer salary in Idaho is $115,300 per year, or approximately $55/hour at 40 hours per week. Real-world salaries vary by experience (entry-level often 30% lower, senior 40-60% higher), employer, and metro area within Idaho.
How does this compare to the national Software Engineer salary?
The US national median for Software Engineer is approximately $124,000. Idaho comes in at 7.0% below the national average, ranking 29 of 51 by cost-of-living-adjusted compensation.
What's the hourly equivalent for $115,300/year?
$115,300/year ÷ 2,080 hours = approximately $55/hour at standard full-time (40 hours × 52 weeks). Adjust for unpaid time off, overtime, or different schedules.
What's the after-tax take-home for Software Engineer in Idaho?
Estimate: $84,573/year after federal income tax (~14% effective at this income), FICA (7.65%), and Idaho state tax. Use our Paycheck Calculator for state-specific accuracy with your actual deductions, 401(k), and filing status.
How accurate are these salary estimates?
These are population-level estimates based on national medians adjusted for Idaho's cost-of-living index. Real salaries depend on metro area (Bay Area vs rural California is 30%+ difference), employer size, years of experience, and specific role. For precise data, check Bureau of Labor Statistics OES, Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, or salary.com.