What is the median salary for Software Developers in San Diego, California?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Software Developers in the San Diego metropolitan area is $159,240.

Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Software Developers?

The San Diego metro median is -6.8% versus the California state median of $170,910.

How does San Diego compare to the national median for Software Developers?

The San Diego metro median is +15.0% versus the BLS national figure of $138,520.

What is the salary range for Software Developers in San Diego?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $95,130 and the 90th-percentile at $212,100 for the San Diego 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.

Software Developers Salary in San Diego, California

Median annual$159,240

Mean annual$157,860

Range (10th to 90th)$95,130 to $212,100

San Diego, California employment21,080

State vs national+15.0% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Diego software developers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $125,170 and $174,420, with a median of $159,240.

Typical entry

Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

Skill data from O*NET is not yet ingested for this occupation. We refresh this section when O*NET publishes a new release.

Common tasks (O*NET)

Task data from O*NET is not yet ingested for this occupation.

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Other metros in California

How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for software developers.

San Jose$208,270
San Francisco$174,910
Los Angeles$155,330
Sacramento$141,030
Riverside$136,760

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Software Developers in San Diego, California?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Software Developers in the San Diego metropolitan area is $159,240.
Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Software Developers?: The San Diego metro median is -6.8% versus the California state median of $170,910.
How does San Diego compare to the national median for Software Developers?: The San Diego metro median is +15.0% versus the BLS national figure of $138,520.
What is the salary range for Software Developers in San Diego?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $95,130 and the 90th-percentile at $212,100 for the San Diego 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.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego 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.