Amazon Software Engineer Salary Guide

Updated 2026-05-22 · Total compensation by level including base, stock, and bonus

LevelBase SalaryStock/yrBonusTotal Comp
L4 (SDE I) $142,000 $45,000 $22,000 $209,000
L5 (SDE II) $182,000 $105,000 $18,000 $305,000
L6 (SDE III / Senior) $220,000 $210,000 $0 $430,000
L7 (Principal) $260,000 $450,000 $0 $710,000

Total Compensation by Level

L4 (SDE I)
$209,000
L5 (SDE II)
$305,000
L6 (SDE III / Senior)
$430,000
L7 (Principal)
$710,000

Negotiation Tip

Amazon's vesting schedule is back-loaded (5/15/40/40). Negotiate high year-1 and year-2 cash sign-on bonuses to bridge the initial equity gap.

Equity & Vesting Details

Vesting Schedule
4-year back-loaded (5/15/40/40)
Refresher Policy
Annual refreshers, but base is capped at ~$185K