Apple Software Engineer Salary | Interview Kickstart (2024)

Apple software engineers' salaries in the United States are among the highest in the industry globally. This makes Apple a company of choice for many software engineers, developers, and coding engineers.

The Apple software engineer interview is very competitive and challenging, ensuring only the best engineers are hired. The company invests in its products and innovations and expects the same from its employees. The entry-level Apple salary for software engineers is approximately $123K (Source: levels.fyi). The salary can differ depending on location and experience level. Let’s read ahead to learn more about the Apple engineer's salary.

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"Software is a great combination between artistry and engineering."

- Bill Gates

(co-founder of Microsoft)

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This article covers the following:

• Role of a Software Engineer at Apple
• Average Software Engineer Salary at Apple
• Apple Software Engineer Salary by Level
• Apple Software Engineer Salary by Location
• Apple Software Engineer Salary by Experience
• Apple Software Engineer Salary vs. Other FAANG Companies
• Apple Software Engineer Salary Negotiation Tips
• FAQs About Apple Software Engineer Salary

Role of a Software Engineer at Apple

Software engineers frequently handle the design, programming, testing, and maintenance of the company's products as well as the creation of new ones. At Apple, software engineers are required to work across multiple teams. This can entail creating new apps for iPhone, macOS, Apple Watch, or iOS.

The responsibilities of a software engineer at Apple are:

• Ensure the efficient functioning of systems designed by system design engineers
• Work with coding engineers and programmers to add novel features to existing software
• Be an integral part of the software design, testing, and development stages
• Oversee the entire software development process

How hard is it to get a job at Apple? Read this article to learn how to meet the recruiter’s expectations and tips to nail the Apple interview.

Average Software Engineer Salary at Apple

The average software engineer salary at Apple in the US is $2,47,090 per year. This total compensation includes base pay of $1,69,332 and an additional pay of $77,758. The additional pay includes stock options, bonuses, and other benefits Apple offers its employees. On average, the Apple software engineer's salary ranges from $1,28,732 to $2,22,738 in the US. (Source: Glassdoor)

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Apple Software Engineer Stock Options

All FAANG+ companies include stock options in their compensation packages for software engineers at all levels. Stock options are given as Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). Apart from the Apple software engineer salary, Apple offers stock options to its employees. Apple follows a four-year vesting period; 25% of the employee’s stock units vest every year. All RSUs are vested at the end of four years.

Take a look at some of the Apple software engineer interview questions to prepare thoroughly for your tech interview.

Additional Benefits Offered to Apple Software Engineers

In addition to competitive Apple software engineer salaries, the FAANG company offers many additional perks and benefits to its employees. As per glassdoor.com, Apple has a 4.5 rating and offers benefits from insurance retirement to professional support. These benefits can be classified as

Learn about the Apple Software Engineer Work-Life Balance in the United States

Apple Software Engineer Salary by Level

Software engineer roles in FAANG+ companies are based on a system of levels. Each level of the employment pyramid is defined based on experience and qualifications.

The various Apple Software Engineer levels are:

• Software Engineer I (ICT 2)
• Software Engineer II (ICT 3)
• Software Engineer III (ICT 4)
• Software Engineer IV (ICT 5)
• Software Engineer V (ICT 6)

A fresh graduate with little or no experience usually starts at level ICT 2. Seasoned engineers with many years of experience are slotted at level ICT 6, which is the highest software engineering level at Apple.

Unlike other FAANG+ companies, there are no specific designations for senior roles. At Apple, “software engineer” is the only title accorded across all levels. Senior software engineers are only identified by their level.

Apple software engineers' salaries vary based on their level. Compensation packages at Apple are discreet to ensure fair pay. Apple is renowned for its employee-centric work culture in which employees are compensated attractively at all levels.

(Source:levels.fyi)

Apple Senior Software Engineer Salary

Senior software engineers are at levels ICT 4 and above. The average senior software engineer's salary at Apple is $811,973. This total compensation includes a base pay of $299,855 and an additional pay of $512,118.

To get some prep tips to nail the interview, read our blog on How to Prepare for and Ace the Apple Software Engineer Interview.

Apple Software Engineer Salary by Location

Apple's salary for software engineers in the US differs per location. Apple software engineer salaries across various cities in the US can range from $46,000 to $307,000.

Apple Software Engineer Salary by Experience

The Apple engineer's salary increases with years of experience. An entry-level software engineer at Apple can earn $161K, while a highly experienced software engineer can make up to $698K. To upgrade your skill set and your Apple salary, you should master your technical skills and programming languages and be a problem-solver.

Don’t forget to read our Apple Interview Process Guide to know all about Apple’s interview stages and what to expect.

Apple Company Software Engineer Salary vs. Other FAANG Companies

FAANG companies offer competitive compensation packages to attract the best software engineers, software developers, tech leads, and coding engineers.

Given below is a comparison of the total compensation received by software engineers at Apple and other leading tech companies.

(Source: levels.fyi)

Google appears to offer the highest compensation. However, Apple remains a company of choice because, in addition to high salaries, Apple offers attractive growth opportunities as well.

Recommended Reading:

• Google Software Engineer Salary
• Facebook Software Engineer Salary

Apple Software Engineer Salary Negotiation Tips

Whether you’re starting a new position, expecting a promotion, or relocating, salary negotiation is important to landing a lucrative offer.

Here are a few tips to help you negotiate your Apple software engineer salary:

• Know your worth — Showcase your skills and experience to recruiters.
• Do your research — Learn about the pay scales and compensation benefits other companies offer. This will help you estimate the right offer you should receive.
• Ask for more than you expect — This will give recruiters room to adjust their offer.
• Negotiate at the right time — Don’t enter negotiations too early in the process or without getting all the information you need.

Check out our salary negotiation tips to learn about common mistakes made during salary negotiations and how to avoid them.

FAQs About Apple Software Engineer Salary

Q1. What is the salary of a software engineer at Apple?

The average salary of an Apple software engineer is $2,47,090 in the US, with a base salary of $1,69,332 and an additional pay of $77,758. (Source: Glassdoor)

Q2. What is the average Apple software engineer salary in NYC?

The average annual Apple software engineer salary in NYC is $1,66,188.

Q3. What system of levels does Apple follow for the role of software engineers?

Software engineering levels at Apple begin from ICT-2 and go up to ICT-6, which is the senior-most position.

Q4. What is the salary of an experienced software engineer at Apple?

The senior software engineer's salary at Apple is $811,973 in the US, with a base salary of $299,855 and an additional pay of $512,118.

Q5. Is it tough to crack the Apple software engineer interview?

Apple software engineer interviews are challenging, but if you prepare your best, you can nail these interviews. Apple interviews usually have three rounds - a pre-screen HR round, a technical round, and an on-site interview. The interviewers at Apple look for candidates with a passion for learning, a strong sense of justice, the confidence to voice opinions, and an independent mindset. So, ensure to showcase these qualities if you want the job.