Software Engineer Salary in California
Based on 80K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$134,440
$64.635/hr
vs National Average
$106,671
+26.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$58K – $223K
80K employed in California
Software Engineer salary in California averages $153,326 per year, reflecting the state's position as a technology hub and innovation center. This median figure is 37% above the national average, demonstrating California's premium compensation landscape. Based on data from 365 workers in this field, salaries typically range up to $165,417, positioning the state among the most lucrative markets for software engineering talent.
Several factors influence software engineer compensation in California, including experience level, specialization, and company size. Tech giants and well-funded startups in Silicon Valley and major metropolitan areas tend to offer higher salaries than smaller firms or less competitive regions within the state. Cost of living, educational background, and specific skill sets in emerging technologies also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential in this market.
Salary Distribution — Software Engineer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,340 |
| 25th percentile | $87,350 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $134,440 |
| 75th percentile | $179,730 |
| 90th percentile | $222,690 |
Top H-1B Employers for Software Engineer in California
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in California — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple Inc. | 109 | $165,422 |
| 2 | Amazon.com Services LLC | 58 | $134,000 |
| 3 | COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS US CORP | 41 | $118,082 |
| 4 | Salesforce, Inc. | 37 | $161,553 |
| 5 | TT Commerce & Global Services LLC | 29 | $225,000 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Historical Salary Trend — Software Engineer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $111,500 |
| 2023 | $123,570 |
| 2024 | $128,750 |
| 2025 | $134,440 |
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $111,500 | $89,712 |
| 2023 | $123,570 | $97,924 |
| 2024 | $128,750 | $101,746 |
| 2025 | $134,440 | $106,671 |
Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level in California
Software Engineer Salary in Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software engineers make in California?
- Software engineers in California earn a median salary of $153,326 per year, or $74 per hour. This represents a 36.6% premium over the national average for the role.
What is the salary range for software engineers in California?
- The salary range for software engineers in California extends up to $165,417 annually. This upper range reflects compensation for experienced engineers and those in senior positions.
Is California software engineer salary higher than the national average?
- Yes, California software engineers earn significantly more than the national average, with a median salary that is 36.6% higher. The state's median of $153,326 per year substantially exceeds typical software engineer compensation across the United States.
How many software engineers are employed in California?
- There are approximately 365 software engineers employed in California according to current data. This represents the total employment count for this role in the state.