For engineers who want their code to have a real-world, high-stakes impact, a career at an aerospace and defense giant like Lockheed Martin is a compelling prospect. From developing software for the F-35 fighter jet to creating the command-and-control systems for satellites, software engineers at Lockheed Martin work on some of the world's most advanced technology.
But beyond the mission, a critical question for any professional is compensation. So, what can you expect to earn as a software engineer at Lockheed Martin? The answer is promising. A career with this industry leader is not only impactful but also financially rewarding, with total compensation packages for experienced engineers often soaring well into six figures, typically ranging from $85,000 for entry-level roles to over $180,000 for senior and principal positions.
This guide will break down the salary you can expect, the key factors that influence your earnings, and the overall career outlook for this exciting field.
What Does a Lockheed Martin Software Engineer Do?
Unlike software engineers at many consumer tech companies, a software engineer at Lockheed Martin develops, tests, and maintains code that powers mission-critical systems. Their work is at the intersection of software and complex physical hardware. Responsibilities often include:
- Designing and developing software for aircraft, spacecraft, missile defense systems, and ground control stations.
- Working with embedded systems where software is deeply integrated with hardware.
- Ensuring software reliability and safety through rigorous testing and quality assurance, as system failure is not an option.
- Applying cybersecurity principles to protect sensitive national security assets from digital threats.
- Collaborating with systems, hardware, and aerospace engineers in a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Obtaining and maintaining security clearances, a unique and essential requirement for many roles in the defense industry.
Average Lockheed Martin Software Engineer Salary
Salary data from multiple reputable sources indicates that Lockheed Martin offers competitive compensation packages that are well above the national average for software developers.
Based on an analysis of recent data, the typical base salary for a Lockheed Martin Software Engineer falls within the $105,000 to $130,000 range.
- According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a Software Engineer at Lockheed Martin is around $124,500 per year, with a likely range between $101,000 and $154,000. This figure includes base salary and additional compensation like cash bonuses.
- Payscale.com reports a slightly more conservative average base salary of approximately $112,000 per year. Their data shows a range from roughly $81,000 at the entry-level to $156,000 for highly experienced engineers.
- Salary.com provides a more granular view. A Software Engineer II (typically with 2-4 years of experience) at Lockheed Martin has a median salary of about $97,400, while a Software Engineer IV (senior level) has a median salary closer to $136,800.
It's important to remember that these figures are averages. Your specific salary will be determined by a combination of crucial factors.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your compensation at Lockheed Martin isn't a single number—it's a spectrum. Let's explore the primary factors that determine where you'll land on that spectrum.
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Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most significant driver of salary in software engineering. Lockheed Martin, like many large corporations, has a leveled structure for its engineers, where each level corresponds to a higher degree of experience, responsibility, and, consequently, pay.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Engineers fresh out of college or with minimal experience can expect to start with a base salary in the $80,000 to $95,000 range. These roles focus on learning the systems, coding specific modules, and supporting senior team members.
- Mid-Level (3-7 years): With several years of experience, engineers take on more complex tasks and greater autonomy. Salaries for mid-level engineers typically range from $95,000 to $135,000. Total compensation, including bonuses, often pushes this figure higher.
- Senior & Principal (8+ years): Senior engineers are technical leaders who architect complex systems, mentor junior developers, and solve the most challenging problems. Their base salaries often start at $135,000 and can exceed $180,000, with significant bonuses and long-term incentives making their total compensation packages highly lucrative.
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Geographic Location
Lockheed Martin has a major presence in several states, and salary offers are adjusted based on the local cost of living and the regional market for tech talent.
- High-Cost Locations: Offices in areas like Bethesda, MD (near Washington, D.C.), Sunnyvale, CA (Silicon Valley), and Littleton/Denver, CO, will command the highest salaries to offset steep housing and living expenses.
- Moderate-Cost Locations: Hubs like Fort Worth, TX, Orlando, FL, and King of Prussia, PA, offer robust engineering opportunities with salaries that are still very competitive but adjusted for a more moderate cost of living. You can expect a salary for the same role to be 5-15% lower in these areas compared to a high-cost location.
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Level of Education
For most software engineering roles, a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is the standard requirement.
- Bachelor's Degree: This is the foundational key to entry. Strong academic performance, relevant internships, and project experience are what set candidates apart.
- Master's or Ph.D.: An advanced degree can provide a significant advantage, particularly for specialized roles in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, or advanced algorithm development. It can lead to a higher starting salary and qualify you for positions in Lockheed Martin's advanced research and development divisions, like Skunk Works®.
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Area of Specialization
Not all software skills are valued equally. Expertise in high-demand, cutting-edge fields can substantially increase your earning potential. At Lockheed Martin, the most sought-after specializations include:
- Cybersecurity: With the constant threat of cyber warfare, engineers who can secure mission-critical systems are invaluable.
- AI and Machine Learning: These skills are crucial for developing autonomous systems, predictive analytics for vehicle maintenance, and intelligent data processing.
- Embedded and Real-Time Systems: Expertise in C/C++, Ada, and developing software for resource-constrained hardware is fundamental to aerospace and defense.
- Cloud & DevOps: As defense systems move toward more agile and cloud-native architectures (including government-specific clouds like AWS GovCloud), engineers with these skills are in high demand.
- Security Clearance: While not a technical skill, holding an active security clearance (e.g., Secret or Top Secret) makes you an immensely valuable candidate and can lead to higher compensation, as it saves the company significant time and money in the hiring process.
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Company Type
While this article focuses on Lockheed Martin, it's helpful to understand how its compensation compares to other types of tech employers.
- Defense Contractors (like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon): Generally offer strong, stable salaries, excellent benefits, and impressive work-life balance. While the absolute top-end salaries may not reach the peaks of FAANG companies, the total long-term value and job security are often superior.
- FAANG/Big Tech (like Google, Meta, Apple): Often lead the market in total compensation, largely due to high stock-based compensation. The work environment is typically fast-paced and consumer-focused.
- Startups: Offer lower base salaries but potentially high rewards through equity. This is a high-risk, high-reward path with a very different culture than a large, established corporation.
Job Outlook
The future for software engineers is incredibly bright. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 25 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
This explosive growth is driven by the increasing need for innovative software across all sectors of the economy, including the ever-advancing aerospace and defense industry. This high demand ensures that skilled software engineers will remain sought-after professionals with strong salary leverage for years to come.
Conclusion
A career as a software engineer at Lockheed Martin represents a unique convergence of purpose and prosperity. The role offers the chance to work on technology that defines the future of national and global security while providing a highly competitive and stable financial future.
For prospective students and professionals, the key takeaways are clear:
- Compensation is strong: Expect a competitive salary that grows significantly with experience.
- Skills matter: Cultivate expertise in high-demand areas like cybersecurity, AI, and embedded systems to maximize your value.
- Experience is king: The most substantial salary increases come from building a track record of success and taking on progressively senior roles.
For those passionate about tackling complex challenges and writing code that truly matters, a software engineering career at Lockheed Martin is a path that offers both profound impact and excellent rewards.