Computer Programmer Salary in California
Computer Programmers in California earn an average of $115,248 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.8% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$115,248
per year
Hourly Rate
$55.41
per hour
vs National
+16.8%
$98,670 national
Salary Range
$74,695
to $169,045
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$115,248
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$81,161
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Computer Programmer's salary of $115,248 has the purchasing power of $81,161 in an average-cost area.
Computer Programmer Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $136,916 | $65.83/hr | $88,487 | $201,068 | 227 |
| San Francisco, CA | $135,030 | $64.92/hr | $85,801 | $202,738 | 323 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $109,407 | $52.60/hr | $72,379 | $160,430 | 348 |
| San Diego, CA | $108,588 | $52.21/hr | $70,125 | $160,680 | 198 |
| Sacramento, CA | $102,639 | $49.35/hr | $66,317 | $149,760 | 248 |
| Riverside, CA | $98,908 | $47.55/hr | $65,059 | $139,593 | 240 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Computer Programmer Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 1,584 Computer Programmers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Computer Programmer Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$74,695
Starting salary for new Computer Programmers
Median (50th Percentile)
$115,248
Mid-career Computer Programmer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$169,045
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Software Developer
$155,183
avg in CA
+$39,935 vs Computer Programmer
Information Security Analyst
$139,713
avg in CA
+$24,465 vs Computer Programmer
Computer Systems Analyst
$119,283
avg in CA
+$4,035 vs Computer Programmer
Network Administrator
$112,201
avg in CA
-$3,047 vs Computer Programmer
Computer User Support Specialist
$69,762
avg in CA
-$45,486 vs Computer Programmer
Computer Programmer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Computer Programmer salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Computer Programmer Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Computer Programmer salary in California?
The average Computer Programmer salary in California is $115,248 per year ($55.41/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.8% above the national average of $98,670.
What is the highest paying city for Computer Programmers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Computer Programmers in California, with a median salary of $136,916 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $98,908.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers in California?
Computer Programmer salaries in California range from $74,695 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $169,045 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $115,248 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.