Software Developer salary in California
Software developers in California earn a median $174,410 a year, 28% above the national median of $135,980. That ranks #1 of 50 states. After taxes, a single filer keeps about $116,233.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 15-1252. Taxes for tax year 2026.
| Yearly | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $174,410 | $14,534 | $6,708 | $83.85 |
| Average pay | $186,770 | $15,564 | $7,183 | $89.79 |
| Take-home (median) | $116,233 | $9,686 | $4,470 | $55.88 |
Where the money goes
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $30,592 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $13,342 |
| California income tax and state programs | $14,242 |
| Take-home | $116,233 |
California's prices are 11% above the U.S. average, so the median take-home buys what $104,979 buys in an average-priced state. The California minimum wage is $16.90; the median software developer earns 5.0 times that.
Software Developer pay in California vs. neighboring states
| State | Median salary | Take-home | Buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $174,410 | $116,233 | $104,979 |
| Arizona | $129,690 | $97,069 | $96,417 |
| Nevada | $128,810 | $99,308 | $99,328 |
| Oregon | $142,720 | $95,987 | $92,866 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much do software developers make in California?
- The median salary is $174,410 a year ($83.85 an hour), and the average is $186,770, per BLS data for May 2025.
- How much do software developers take home in California?
- About $116,233 a year after federal and California taxes, or $4,470 every two weeks, for a single filer at the median salary.
- Do software developers earn more in California than the national average?
- California ranks #1 of 50 for median pay, 28% above the U.S. median of $135,980. Adjusted for prices and taxes it ranks #4.