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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Design in California is $122,405 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a Software Design's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Software Design Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $133,052 | $11,088 | $2,559 | $64 |
| Average | $122,405 | $10,200 | $2,354 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,051 | $9,254 | $2,136 | $53 |
Walt Disney Imagineering - Glendale, CA
MaXentric Technologies LLC - La Jolla, CA
Keysight Technologies - Santa Clara, CA
Stryker Corporation - San Diego, CA
A Software Design'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 Design'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Package D... Level Software Design | $79,910 |
| Package D... Level Software Design | $102,240 |
| Software ... Level Software Design | $124,771 |
| Package D... Level Software Design | $139,500 |
| Package D... Level Software Design | $175,420 |
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 Designs. 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:
For Software Design roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Software Design positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Design as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $146,887 | $71.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Software Design'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 | $133,052 | $11,088 | $2,559 | $64 |
| Average | $122,405 | $10,200 | $2,354 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,051 | $9,254 | $2,136 | $53 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Design job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Keysight Technologies
Pasadena, CA
Keysight Technologies | Pasadena, CA
A tech innovation leader is seeking a General Manager for its Optical Design Engineering team. This pivotal role requires senior leadership with full P&L r... more
6 Days Ago
Keysight Technologies SAles Spain SL.
Santa Clara, CA
Keysight Technologies SAles Spain SL. | Santa Clara, CA
A leading technology firm in optical design is looking for a General Manager to lead the Optical Design Engineering Business Unit. This pivotal role involv... more
6 Days Ago
Keysight Technologies
Santa Clara, CA
Keysight Technologies | Santa Clara, CA
OverviewKeysight is on the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping,... more
8 Days Ago
Adobe
San Francisco, CA
Adobe | San Francisco, CA
Software EngineerChanging the world through digital experiences is what Adobe's all about. We give everyonefrom emerging artists to global brandseverything... more
8 Days Ago
Keysight Technologies
Santa Rosa, CA
Keysight Technologies | Santa Rosa, CA
Keysight Technologies is seeking a proven General Manager for the Optical Design Engineering (ODE) unit within the DES organization. This global leadership... more
9 Days Ago
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
NEWCOMB HALL, VA
National Radio Astronomy Observatory | NEWCOMB HALL, VA
National Radio Astronomy Observatory Title: Embedded Software FPGA Design Engineer Location: NRAO Central Development Lab, 1180 Boxwood Estate Rd, CHARLOTT... more
7 Days Ago
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