Software engineer salary in California
How much does a Software Engineer make in California?
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The average salary for a software engineer is $163,402 per year in California and $5,000 cash bonus per year.9.8k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated October 19, 2026).
Highest paying companies for Software Engineer in California
Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.Hiring a Software Engineer?
Highest paying cities for Software Engineers near California
Where can a Software Engineer earn more?
Compare salaries for Software Engineers in different locations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Software Engineer
The average salary for a Software Engineer is $163,402 per year in California. This figure is based on 9.8k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months, last updated on October 19, 2026.
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Software Engineer salaries in California typically range between a low of $97,207 and a high of $274,675 per year, depending on experience and the hiring company.
Some of the highest-paying cities for Software Engineer in California include Camarillo, CA at $327,875 per year, Menlo Park, CA at $190,675 per year, and San Jose, CA at $187,398 per year.
Compensation can vary based on the specific niche and level of responsibility within the field. Here is how the average Software Engineer salary in California compares to related positions:
- Entry Level Software Engineer: Average $91,898 per year
- Junior Software Engineer: Average $89,731 per year
- Principal Software Engineer: Average $219,303 per year
- Senior Software Engineer: Average $186,108 per year
- Software Engineer Intern: Average $42.50 per hour
- Staff Software Engineer: Average $223,716 per year