Software Developer Salary in California
A software developer in California earns an estimated $153,600 a year ($73.85 an hour). Most workers fall from $104,400 to $222,700, depending on experience and employer.
Advertisement
Software Developer pay in California
| Per year | Per hour | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (estimate) | $104,400 | $50.19 |
| Median (estimate) | $153,600 | $73.85 |
| Experienced (estimate) | $222,700 | $107.07 |
| US national median | $133,100 | $63.99 |
The California estimate is 15% above the national median, reflecting local prices and wages.
Advertisement
Take-home pay
On the median figure a single filer in California keeps about $108,572 a year after federal tax, FICA and state tax, or $4,175.83 per biweekly paycheck. Try your exact numbers in the California paycheck calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a software developer make in California?
About $153,600 a year at the median (estimate).
Is this an official figure?
No. It is an estimate based on the national BLS median and a state wage index. Check BLS OEWS tables for official data.
Sources and method
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Bureau of Economic Analysis: regional price parities
- Estimate, not official state data
Page last updated November 2026. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.