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Software Systems Development Director Salary in California

How much does a Software Systems Development Director make in California?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Development Director in California is $224,830 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $108.

However, a Software Systems Development Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $254,879
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $209,988 to $240,559
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $196,475
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View as table View as graph 25% $209,988 10% $196,475 90% $254,879 75% $240,559 $224,830 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Systems Development Director Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $240,559 $20,047 $4,626 $116
Average $224,830 $18,736 $4,324 $108
25th Percentile $209,988 $17,499 $4,038 $101
Check out Software Systems Development Director Job Openings in California
Software Development Sr Director

Ll Oefentherapie - Santa Clara, CA

Software Development Director

Ll Oefentherapie - Santa Clara, CA

Director Software Development

Advanced Micro Devices - San Jose, CA

Director Software Development

Advanced Micro Devices - Santa Clara, CA

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Key Factors That Influence Software Systems Development Director Salaries

A Software Systems Development Director'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 Software Systems Development Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Systems Development Director'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $215,748
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $217,077
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $218,849
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $221,507
  • Expert (over 8 years): $224,830
Levels Salary
Entry Level Software Systems Development Director$215,748
Intermediate Level Software Systems Development Director$217,077
Senior Level Software Systems Development Director$218,849
Specialist Level Software Systems Development Director$221,507
Expert Level Software Systems Development Director$224,830
$215,748 0 yr
$217,077 < 2 yrs
$218,849 2-4 yrs
$221,507 5-8 yrs
$224,830 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software Systems Development Directors

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: $225,788
  • West Hollywood: $225,788
  • Dodgertown: $225,788

Software Systems Development Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Systems Development Director'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 January 01, 2026
$209,988
Average $224,830/year
$240,559
$17,499
Average $18,736/month
$20,047
$4,038
Average $4,324/week
$4,626
$101
Average $108/hour
$116
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $240,559 $20,047 $4,626 $116
Average $224,830 $18,736 $4,324 $108
25th Percentile $209,988 $17,499 $4,038 $101

Software Systems Development Director Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Systems Development Director
VP of Software Systems Development
SVP of Software Systems Development

For a Software Systems Development Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the VP of Software Systems Development role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $279,856 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.

Salaries of jobs related to Software Systems Development Director

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Cost of Living In California

Cost of Living in California is
10.3% Higher
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