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State comparison · 2025

Software Developers salary: California vs Wisconsin

Occupation

Software Developers in California earn a median of $174,410. In Wisconsin, $122,660. After cost-of-living, the gap is 20.9% — not 42.2%.

Nominal pay gap
+42.2%
California vs Wisconsin
COL-adjusted gap
+20.9%
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

Wisconsin

Software Developers

Median
$122,660
p25
$97,740
p75
$138,590
p10
$77,710
p90
$168,630
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
94.1
Hiring velocity (180d)
-39%
See full breakdown for Wisconsin

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.