To become a software manager, earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software development, engineering, or a related field, though some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Acquire an internship or entry-level position in software development to gain experience in the industry. Certification is not required, but some employers prefer candidates who hold mainstream certifications, such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) or Amazon Web Services (AWS). Seek leadership roles to cultivate your project management skills. Once you have worked for several years and have a substantial portfolio, seek software manager positions.

If you are interested in a job related to Software Manager, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Software Manager Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Software Manager positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Software Engineer Immersive
Salary range: $120,000 - $173,000
Software Engineer Immersive is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Software Engineer Immersive jobs pay between $120,000 (25th percentile) and $173,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Software Engineer Immersive job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Remote Software Manager
Salary range: $129,000 - $169,500
Remote Software Manager is a typical job search query Most salaries for Remote Software Manager jobs pay between $129,000 (25th percentile) and $169,500 (75th percentile) annually. There are lots of open positions nationwide for Remote Software Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Software Delivery
Salary range: $90,000 - $130,000
Software Delivery is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Software Delivery jobs pay between $90,000 (25th percentile) and $130,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Software Delivery job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Startup Software Engineer Manager
Salary range: $173,000 - $173,000
Startup Software Engineer Manager is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Startup Software Engineer Manager jobs pay between $173,000 (25th percentile) and $173,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Startup Software Engineer Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Qt Python
Salary range: $100,500 - $138,500
Qt Python is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Qt Python jobs pay between $100,500 (25th percentile) and $138,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Qt Python job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Llvm Remote
Salary range: $84,500 - $128,000
Llvm Remote is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Llvm Remote jobs pay between $84,500 (25th percentile) and $128,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Llvm Remote job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Remote Mastercard Software Engineer
Salary range: $120,000 - $173,000
Remote Mastercard Software Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Remote Mastercard Software Engineer jobs pay between $120,000 (25th percentile) and $173,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Remote Mastercard Software Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Contract Software Engineering Manager
Salary range: $173,000 - $173,000
Contract Software Engineering Manager is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs pay between $173,000 (25th percentile) and $173,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Contract Software Engineering Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Senior Software Engineering Manager
Salary range: $151,500 - $199,000
Senior Software Engineering Manager is a typical job search query Most salaries for Senior Software Engineering Manager jobs pay between $151,500 (25th percentile) and $199,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Senior Software Engineering Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Software Engineer Airline
Salary range: $120,000 - $173,000
Software Engineer Airline is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Software Engineer Airline jobs pay between $120,000 (25th percentile) and $173,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Software Engineer Airline job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Software Manager Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Software Manager Jobs in 2026