The latest salary sharing thread for new grads on r/cscareerquestions reveals promising trends for 2026. Top tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are offering competitive salaries, with average ranges from $120,000 to over $200,000 for software engineering roles.
Salary Ranges by Company
New graduates can expect salaries between $100,000 and $160,000 at companies like Facebook, Apple, and Netflix, while startups may offer lower base salaries but with significant equity opportunities.
- Google: $150,000 - $200,000
- Microsoft: $130,000 - $180,000
- Amazon: $120,000 - $160,000
The highest reported salary for a new grad in 2026 is $220,000 at a top tech firm, with skills in cloud computing, machine learning, and data science being highly valued.
Key Skills for High Demand
- 1Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, and C++
- 2Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure
- 3Knowledge of machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch
To maximize their salary potential, new grads should focus on developing in-demand skills, networking within their industry, and being prepared to negotiate their offers effectively.