As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Developer I in California is $90,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, a Software Developer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Software Developer I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $96,890 | $8,074 | $1,863 | $47 |
| Average | $90,090 | $7,508 | $1,733 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,490 | $6,874 | $1,586 | $40 |
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A Software Developer I'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 Software Developer I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer I | 0-2 years | $90,074 |
| Intermediate Software Engineer | 2-4 years | $115,910 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 4-7 years | $141,959 |
| Software Developer IV | 7+ years | $164,253 |
| Software Developer V | 7-10 years | $188,795 |
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 Software Developer Is. 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:
Understanding how a Software Developer I'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 | $96,890 | $8,074 | $1,863 | $47 |
| Average | $90,090 | $7,508 | $1,733 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,490 | $6,874 | $1,586 | $40 |
For a Software Developer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Intermediate Software Engineer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $116,000 - a projected growth of 29% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Developer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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