verified BLS-Verified
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
May 2025 release
Software Developer Salary in California
Median Annual in California
$174,410/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$83.85/hr
▲ 28% above U.S. median
groups Employed in CA
284,390
public U.S. Median
$135,980
trending_up National Outlook
+25%
Software Developer pay in California, explained
Software developers in California earn a median of $174,410 per year ($83.85 per hour), which is 28% above the national median of $135,980. Entry-level workers earn around $105,060, while the most experienced software developers reach about $272,670. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.
Software Developer in California: FAQ
How much do software developers make in California?
Software developers in California earn a median of $174,410 per year ($83.85 per hour), compared with $135,980 nationally.
Does California pay software developers well?
At $174,410, California pays 28% above the national median for software developers. An estimated 284,390 work in the state.