RateOrchard
State comparison · 2025

Software Developers salary: California vs Michigan

Occupation

Software Developers in California earn a median of $174,410. In Michigan, $125,570. After cost-of-living, the gap is 20.7% — not 38.9%.

Nominal pay gap
+38.9%
California vs Michigan
COL-adjusted gap
+20.7%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

California

Software Developers

Median
$174,410
p25
$136,990
p75
$216,670
p10
$105,060
p90
$272,670
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
110.7
Hiring velocity (180d)
0%
See full breakdown for California

Michigan

Software Developers

Median
$125,570
p25
$97,300
p75
$140,100
p10
$78,930
p90
$166,510
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
96.2
Hiring velocity (180d)
-39%
See full breakdown for Michigan

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.