Software Engineer Salary Jacksonville 2025

Quick Answer

Software Engineer Salary in Jacksonville: Full Breakdown

Software engineers in Jacksonville command solid compensation in Florida’s largest city. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for 2024, the mean annual salary for software engineers (SOC code 15-1252) in the Jacksonville metropolitan statistical area (MSA 27260) is $129,410.

This figure represents professionals working in software development, application design, and related technical roles across the region’s growing tech sector. Jacksonville has seen increased investment in technology infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives across healthcare, financial services, and logistics industries, which supports demand for skilled software engineers.

The $129,410 average reflects the blend of experience levels, specializations, and employer types in the Jacksonville market. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while senior engineers, architects, and specialized roles (machine learning, cloud infrastructure, security) command premium compensation.

Cost of Living Context

Understanding Jacksonville’s cost of living is essential when evaluating the $129,410 salary figure. Florida’s lack of state income tax significantly enhances the effective purchasing power of this salary compared to many other major tech hubs.

Housing and Monthly Expenses: Jacksonville offers more affordable housing than traditional tech centers like San Francisco, Seattle, or Boston. The median rent provides context for how far a software engineer’s salary stretches in the local market.

The average monthly take-home pay for a software engineer in Jacksonville (before taxes) is approximately $10,784. When evaluating relocation or job offers, consider:

• Florida’s 0% state income tax (significant advantage over states like California, New York, or Massachusetts)
• Lower housing costs compared to coastal tech hubs
• Reasonable cost of living for food, transportation, and utilities
• Growing tech community reducing relocation isolation concerns

Salary Trend Over Time

The Jacksonville software engineer market has remained stable in recent years. The 2024 BLS data showing $129,410 reflects a mature market with consistent demand from major employers in the region.

Jacksonville’s tech sector has benefited from:

• Remote work normalization, attracting talent from higher cost-of-living areas
• Healthcare technology expansion (Mayo Clinic, UF Health, Ascension)
• Financial services modernization (TIAA, Fidelity, other firms with local operations)
• Logistics and supply chain tech investment (port operations, shipping companies)
• Defense contracting and cybersecurity roles (proximity to military installations)

These sectors provide diverse career paths for software engineers beyond traditional software companies.

Job Outlook

Software engineering remains one of the fastest-growing occupations in Jacksonville and nationally. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong demand for software engineers through 2034, driven by:

• Continued digital transformation across all industries
• Increased cybersecurity requirements
• Cloud computing adoption
• Data analytics and AI integration
• Healthcare IT modernization

Jacksonville specifically benefits from regional economic diversification, meaning software engineers aren’t solely dependent on a single industry or employer base.

Factors Affecting Software Engineer Salary in Jacksonville

Several variables influence individual compensation within the Jacksonville market:

Experience Level: Entry-level software engineers typically earn 20-30% less than the average, while senior engineers and tech leads command 30-50% premiums.

Specialization: Engineers with expertise in high-demand areas (cloud platforms like AWS/Azure, machine learning, cybersecurity, DevOps) typically earn above-average compensation.

Employer Type: Large financial institutions and healthcare systems often pay above the regional average. Startups and smaller firms may offer lower base salaries but equity compensation.

Education and Certifications: Advanced degrees, cloud certifications (AWS, Azure, GCP), and specialized credentials support higher compensation.

Remote Work: Many Jacksonville-based roles now offer remote flexibility, which can impact salary ranges and attract talent from lower cost-of-living areas.

Related Guides

FAQ

What is the starting salary for a software engineer in Jacksonville?

Entry-level software engineers in Jacksonville typically start between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on education, bootcamp quality, and employer. This represents approximately 55-70% of the $129,410 regional average. Candidates with computer science degrees from strong programs or completed coding bootcamps from reputable institutions often command higher starting offers. Many Jacksonville employers offer sign-on bonuses or relocation assistance to attract talent.

How does software engineer salary in Jacksonville compare to the national average?

The national average for software engineers is typically in the $120,000-$135,000 range depending on the data source and year. Jacksonville’s $129,410 (2024 BLS) places it competitive with national averages. However, when adjusted for cost of living—particularly Florida’s lack of state income tax—Jacksonville becomes even more attractive. The effective purchasing power of a Jacksonville software engineer salary often exceeds what the same nominal figure would provide in high-tax states like California or New York.

Is it worth moving to Jacksonville for a software engineer position?

Jacksonville presents a compelling relocation opportunity for software engineers, particularly those from higher cost-of-living areas. The $129,410 average salary combined with Florida’s 0% state income tax, lower housing costs, and growing tech ecosystem makes the region attractive. Quality-of-life factors include reasonable commute times, access to beaches, and a lower stress environment than major tech hubs. However, if you’re currently earning significantly above the regional average in a remote role, relocation may not increase your real compensation. Evaluate the specific employer’s culture, growth opportunities, and team strength alongside salary.

What skills command the highest salaries for software engineers in Jacksonville?

Cloud platform expertise (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), DevOps and infrastructure automation, machine learning and data engineering, and cybersecurity specializations typically command 15-30% salary premiums over general software development roles. Full-stack engineers with product sense and business acumen also earn above average. Jacksonville’s healthcare and financial services sectors particularly value engineers with domain knowledge in those industries combined with technical skills.

How often do software engineer salaries increase in Jacksonville?

Annual merit increases in Jacksonville typically range from 3-5% for solid performance, with larger jumps (10-20%+) available through job changes. The tech industry standard is that changing employers offers faster salary growth than staying in one role. Jacksonville’s growing market means competitive offers are increasingly common, particularly for mid-level and senior engineers (5+ years experience).

What benefits do Jacksonville software engineers typically receive beyond salary?

Beyond the $129,410 base, Jacksonville employers commonly offer health insurance, 401(k) matching (typically 3-6%), paid time off (15-25 days annually), and increasingly, remote work flexibility. Larger employers (financial institutions, healthcare systems) often provide tuition reimbursement, professional development budgets, and wellness programs. Startups may offer equity compensation. The lack of state income tax effectively increases the value of benefits and retirement contributions compared to high-tax states.

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Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. Software Engineer SOC code 15-1252, Jacksonville MSA 27260.

Last updated: April 10, 2026

Disclaimer: Salary data presented here is based on public sources including the Bureau of Labor Statistics and represents regional averages. Actual compensation varies significantly based on individual qualifications, employer, specific role, and market conditions. This information is provided for research and educational purposes and should not be considered financial or career advice. Consult with career professionals and conduct employer-specific research for personalized guidance.