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New Grad Salaries 2026

August 2, 2026·5 min read
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The latest salary sharing thread on r/cscareerquestions reveals promising compensation packages for new graduates in the tech industry, with average salaries ranging from $100,000 to over $200,000 depending on the company and role.

Top Paying Companies for New Grads

Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are leading the pack, offering salaries upwards of $150,000 for software engineering roles, while startups like Palantir and Airbnb offer competitive packages with salaries ranging from $120,000 to $180,000.

  • Google: $150,000 - $200,000
  • Microsoft: $120,000 - $180,000
  • Amazon: $110,000 - $160,000
The average salary for a new grad software engineer in the US is $124,000, with top earners reaching up to $250,000 at companies like Facebook and Netflix.

In-Demand Skills for New Grads

To command top salaries, new grads should focus on developing skills in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, with proficiency in languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript being highly valued.

  1. 1Learn cloud platforms like AWS or Azure
  2. 2Develop skills in machine learning and AI
  3. 3Familiarize yourself with cybersecurity best practices

By understanding the current salary landscape and focusing on in-demand skills, new grads can set themselves up for success and negotiate competitive compensation packages in the tech industry.

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