What the numbers say
About 54,650 Software Developers worked in the Los Angeles metro in 2024, making it one of the larger tech employment centers in the country. The median annual wage was $155,330, which sits roughly 12% above the national median of $138,520.
That said, LA runs below the California median of $170,910 by about $15,600, or around 9%. The San Francisco Bay Area pulls the state figure up, and LA does not fully match that concentration of high-paying roles. For a metro of its size, that gap is worth noting.
The spread between earners here is wide. The 10th percentile came in at $93,670 in 2024, while the 90th percentile reached $210,600. Top earners made more than twice what those at the bottom of the range did. The average wage of $157,390 sits close to the median, which suggests the distribution does not tilt heavily toward outliers at either end. Most of the spread reflects real differences in experience, specialization, and the type of company.
The 25th-to-75th percentile range runs from $122,940 to $174,320, a $51,380 gap. A developer moving from an early-career position to a mid-senior one within the same metro can expect meaningful wage growth without changing cities.
Salary distribution
Where Los Angeles software developers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $127,530 and $191,540, with a median of $160,920.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
Common tasks (O*NET)
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How the Los Angeles metro compares to other major California metro areas for software developers.
- San Jose$213,110
- San Francisco$186,640
- San Diego$163,270
- Sacramento$139,640
- Riverside$133,270
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Software Developers in Los Angeles, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Software Developers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is $160,920.
- Does Los Angeles pay more than the California state average for Software Developers?
- The Los Angeles metro median is -7.7% versus the California state median of $174,410.
- How does Los Angeles compare to the national median for Software Developers?
- The Los Angeles metro median is +12.6% versus the BLS national figure of $142,947.
- What is the salary range for Software Developers in Los Angeles?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $98,270 and the 90th-percentile at $223,150 for the Los Angeles metro area.
- What education is required for Software Developers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Los Angeles CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.