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Home / Compensation / IBM vs Microsoft
Microsoft pays about 43% more than IBM for a mid-level Software Engineer: $340K vs $195K median total comp. Below is the full level-by-level breakdown for every role ladder both companies share, from public-source data.
Public-source estimates (Beta). Figures are annualized USD total compensation (base + equity + bonus).
Microsoft pays about 43% more than IBM for a mid-level Software Engineer: $340K vs $195K median total comp. Overall ranges run $106K - $350K at IBM and $145K - $1.2M at Microsoft across all levels.
| Company | Entry (p50) | Mid (p50) | Senior (p50) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM | $122K | $195K | $255K |
| Microsoft | $165K | $340K | $730K |
| Level | Total comp (p25 - p90) |
|---|---|
| Band 7Software Engineer | $106K - $160Kmedian $122K |
| Band 8Senior Software Engineer (Advisory) | $135K - $200Kmedian $155K |
| Band 9Lead Engineer / Architect | $170K - $255Kmedian $195K |
| Band 10Senior Technical Staff Member (STSM) | $220K - $350Kmedian $255K |
| Level | Total comp (p25 - p90) |
|---|---|
| 59 (SDE)Software Engineer (New Grad) | $145K - $205Kmedian $165K |
| 60-61 (SDE II)Software Engineer II | $195K - $320Kmedian $230K |
| 62-63 (Senior)Senior Software Engineer | $280K - $500Kmedian $340K |
| 64-65 (Principal)Principal Software Engineer | $410K - $800Kmedian $510K |
| 66+ (Partner)Partner Software Engineer | $580K - $1.2Mmedian $730K |
Microsoft pays about 65% more than IBM for a mid-level Engineering Manager: $790K vs $280K median total comp. Overall ranges run $145K - $555K at IBM and $290K - $2.4M at Microsoft across all levels.
| Company | Entry (p50) | Mid (p50) | Senior (p50) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM | $165K | $280K | $380K |
| Microsoft | $360K | $790K | $1.3M |
| Level | Total comp (p25 - p90) |
|---|---|
| ManagerEngineering Manager (Band 8) | $145K - $215Kmedian $165K |
| Sr ManagerSenior Engineering Manager (Band 9) | $180K - $275Kmedian $205K |
| DirectorDirector, Engineering (Band 10) | $235K - $385Kmedian $280K |
| ExecutiveVP / Executive (Band D) | $315K - $555Kmedian $380K |
| Level | Total comp (p25 - p90) |
|---|---|
| 62-63 (Manager)Software Engineering Manager | $290K - $540Kmedian $360K |
| 64-65 (Principal Mgr)Principal Engineering Manager | $430K - $850Kmedian $540K |
| 66+ (Partner Mgr)Partner Engineering Manager | $620K - $1.3Mmedian $790K |
| 67+ (CVP)Corporate Vice President / Distinguished Manager | $950K - $2.4Mmedian $1.3M |
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