Career Timeline
Your life from age 16 to the top
Software Engineer at a Big Tech Company
Build products used by billions — from search algorithms to the apps on your phone.
Career starts
Age 22
Peak earnings
$1.0M
total comp
Education
4 yrs
after high school
Career levels
4
stages of growth
You — Right NowAge 16 · High school
College
Bachelor's degree · 4 years
Career begins
Software Engineer I (Entry Level)
Age 22–24Total comp$150K–$280K
Software Engineer II (Mid Level)
Age 24–27Total comp$200K–$380K
Senior Software Engineer
Age 27–32Total comp$280K–$600K
Staff / Principal Engineer
Age 32+Total comp$400K–$1.0M
Data: BLS 2024 · LinkedIn Salary · Levels.fyi
Full career details →