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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Backend Software Engineer V in California is $166,570 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $80.
However, a Backend Software Engineer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Backend Software Engineer V Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $183,180 | $15,265 | $3,523 | $88 |
| Average | $166,570 | $13,881 | $3,203 | $80 |
| 25th Percentile | $153,180 | $12,765 | $2,946 | $74 |
Eleven Recruiting - Long Beach, CA
Finch - San Francisco, CA
Alpaca Health - San Francisco, CA
Glue - San Francisco, CA
A Backend Software Engineer V's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Backend Software Engineer V's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Backend Applications Developer III | 4-7 years | $138,015 |
| Backend Applications Developer IV | 7+ years | $160,394 |
| Backend Software Engineer V | 7-10 years | $166,567 |
| Backend Applications Developer Supervisor | 10+ years | $153,691 |
| Backend Applications Developer Manager | 10+ years | $168,453 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Backend Software Engineer Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Backend Software Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $186,465. While startup companies pay approximate $157,745.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $157,745 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $166,834 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $180,066 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $186,465 |
For Backend Software Engineer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Backend Software Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Backend Software Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $266,512 | $128.0 | 60% |
| Financial Services | $233,198 | $112.0 | 40% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $216,541 | $104.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $208,212 | $100.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $199,884 | $96.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Backend Software Engineer V's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $183,180 | $15,265 | $3,523 | $88 |
| Average | $166,570 | $13,881 | $3,203 | $80 |
| 25th Percentile | $153,180 | $12,765 | $2,946 | $74 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Backend Software Engineer V, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Programming Project Supervisor | $148,000 | -11% |
| Software Research and Design Architect VI | $244,900 | 47% |
| Backend Applications Developer Supervisor | $153,700 | -8% |
| Mobile Software Development Manager | $172,800 | 4% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Backend Software Engineer V job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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