If you talk to a software engineer, they're probably most interested in attacking difficult and interesting problems that affect a lot fo people.

But it's really not surprising that some of the most popular software companies among engineers and developers also pay the best, according to salary data we pulled from GlassDoor.

We've assembled a list of the top tech companies in Silicon Valley that pay their software engineers and developers the best.

These salaries do appear to be entry-level engineers — so there are some senior engineers that make much more. But still, it shows why a lot of people choose the companies they do.

12. IBM

Average yearly salary: $86,608

IBM also has a really cool research division — so we'll cut them a break if they let their engineers take a look inside while they are working in Armonk over the summer.

11. Microsoft

Average yearly salary: $87,956

While Microsoft's pay isn't as good as, say, Google, it's a huge company so there's probably a big opportunity for learning and mentorship.

So it's not all terrible.

10. Amazon

Average yearly salary: $92,613

Amazon has to hire engineers to keep its site up and running briskly — literally every second matters.

Naturally it has to have a competitive salary, though it's a little surprising that the number isn't a little bit higher.

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