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Backend Software Engineering Manager Salary in California

How much does a Backend Software Engineering Manager make in California?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Backend Software Engineering Manager in California is $168,460 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $81.

However, a Backend Software Engineering Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $191,939
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $153,930 to $180,750
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $140,701
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View as table View as graph 25% $153,930 10% $140,701 90% $191,939 75% $180,750 $168,460 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Backend Software Engineering Manager Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $180,750 $15,063 $3,476 $87
Average $168,460 $14,038 $3,240 $81
25th Percentile $153,930 $12,828 $2,960 $74
Check out Backend Software Engineering Manager Job Openings in California
Director of Software Engineering

Lumicity - Los Angeles County, CA

Director of Software Engineering

Lumicity - Los Angeles, CA

Head of Software Engineering

Confidential - Torrance, CA

Head of Software Engineering

Confidential - Torrance, CA

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Key Factors That Influence Backend Software Engineering Manager Salaries

A Backend Software Engineering Manager'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.

How Experience Level Affects Backend Software Engineering Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Backend Software Engineering Manager'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:

  • Backend Applications Developer V (7-10 years): $166,578
  • Backend Applications Developer Supervisor (10+ years): $153,695
  • Backend Software Engineering Manager (10+ years): $168,450
  • Backend Applications Developer Senior Manager (10+ years): $202,127
  • Backend Applications Developer Director (10+ years): $219,715
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Backend Applications Developer V7-10 years$166,578
Backend Applications Developer Supervisor10+ years$153,695
Backend Software Engineering Manager10+ years$168,450
Backend Applications Developer Senior Manager10+ years$202,127
Backend Applications Developer Director10+ years$219,715
$166,578 Backend A...
$153,695 Backend A...
$168,450 Backend S...
$202,127 Backend A...
$219,715 Backend A...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Backend Software Engineering Managers

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:

  • Los Angeles: $168,750
  • West Hollywood: $168,620
  • Dodgertown: $168,740

Backend Software Engineering Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Backend Software Engineering Manager'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on May 01, 2026
$153,930
Average $168,460/year
$180,750
$12,828
Average $14,038/month
$15,063
$2,960
Average $3,240/week
$3,476
$74
Average $81/hour
$87
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $180,750 $15,063 $3,476 $87
Average $168,460 $14,038 $3,240 $81
25th Percentile $153,930 $12,828 $2,960 $74

Backend Software Engineering Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Backend Software Engineering Manager
Application Design and Development Senior Manager
Software Research and Design Architect Senior Manager
Backend Applications Developer Senior Manager
Application Design and Development Director
VP of Software Research and Design Architecture
Backend Applications Developer Director

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Backend Software Engineering Manager, 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.

Backend Software Engineering Manager Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Application Design and Development Senior Manager $195,100 16%
Software Research and Design Architect Senior Manager $195,100 16%
Backend Applications Developer Senior Manager $202,200 20%

Salaries of jobs related to Backend Software Engineering Manager

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