Software Developer Salary in California
Software Developers in California earn an average of $155,183 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.6% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$155,183
per year
Hourly Rate
$74.61
per hour
vs National
+16.6%
$133,080 national
Salary Range
$102,451
to $219,615
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$155,183
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$109,284
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Software Developer's salary of $155,183 has the purchasing power of $109,284 in an average-cost area.
Software Developer Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $181,434 | $87.23/hr | $120,475 | $253,496 | 2,674 |
| San Jose, CA | $179,506 | $86.30/hr | $121,002 | $251,928 | 1,920 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $149,398 | $71.83/hr | $93,287 | $208,386 | 2,596 |
| San Diego, CA | $143,211 | $68.85/hr | $96,336 | $205,047 | 2,048 |
| Sacramento, CA | $140,060 | $67.34/hr | $92,038 | $199,864 | 1,726 |
| Riverside, CA | $137,490 | $66.10/hr | $91,570 | $198,968 | 1,983 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Software Developer Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 12,947 Software Developers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Software Developer Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$102,451
Starting salary for new Software Developers
Median (50th Percentile)
$155,183
Mid-career Software Developer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$219,615
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Information Security Analyst
$139,713
avg in CA
-$15,470 vs Software Developer
Computer Systems Analyst
$119,283
avg in CA
-$35,900 vs Software Developer
Computer Programmer
$115,248
avg in CA
-$39,935 vs Software Developer
Network Administrator
$112,201
avg in CA
-$42,982 vs Software Developer
Computer User Support Specialist
$69,762
avg in CA
-$85,421 vs Software Developer
Software Developer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Software Developer salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Software Developer Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Developer salary in California?
The average Software Developer salary in California is $155,183 per year ($74.61/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.6% above the national average of $133,080.
What is the highest paying city for Software Developers in California?
San Francisco, CA is the highest paying city for Software Developers in California, with a median salary of $181,434 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $137,490.
What is the salary range for Software Developers in California?
Software Developer salaries in California range from $102,451 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $219,615 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $155,183 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.