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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sr Software Engineer in California is $153,706 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $74.
However, a Sr Software Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Sr Software Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $168,222 | $14,018 | $3,235 | $81 |
| Average | $153,706 | $12,809 | $2,956 | $74 |
| 25th Percentile | $140,350 | $11,696 | $2,699 | $67 |
Diversified Services Network, Inc. - San Francisco, CA
Jiffy - Irvine, CA
Cowboy Space - San Carlos, CA
Smarsh - Pleasanton, CA
A Sr Software Engineer'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 Sr Software Engineer'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 |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Sr Software Engineer | $91,273 |
| Software ... Level Sr Software Engineer | $117,461 |
| Sr Softwa... Level Sr Software Engineer | $143,847 |
| Software ... Level Sr Software Engineer | $166,424 |
| Software ... Level Sr Software Engineer | $191,318 |
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 Sr Software Engineers. 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 Sr Software Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 27% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 14% above the average. In contrast, Sr Software Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Sr Software Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $175,225 | $84.0 | 14% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $172,151 | $83.0 | 12% |
| Internet | $170,614 | $82.0 | 11% |
| Biotechnology | $169,077 | $81.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $167,540 | $81.0 | 9% |
Understanding how a Sr Software Engineer'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 | $168,222 | $14,018 | $3,235 | $81 |
| Average | $153,706 | $12,809 | $2,956 | $74 |
| 25th Percentile | $140,350 | $11,696 | $2,699 | $67 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Sr Software Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Vets Hired
San Francisco, CA
Vets Hired | San Francisco, CA
Work with product owners to understand desired application capabilities and testing scenarios - Continuously improve software engineering practices - Work ... more
6 Days Ago
J. Paul Getty Trust
Los Angeles, CA
J. Paul Getty Trust | Los Angeles, CA
Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit... more
6 Days Ago
Right Hire Consulting LLC
Redwood City, CA
Right Hire Consulting LLC | Redwood City, CA
Were seeking a skilled Senior Software Engineer to join our API Platform team. This team plays a critical role in building secure, reliable, and intuitive ... more
6 Days Ago
Jiffy
San Francisco, CA
Jiffy | San Francisco, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Jiffy.com is seeking a Sr. Software Development Engineer with deep hands-on experience orchestrating AI coding agents to ... more
7 Days Ago
Astrana Health, Inc.
Monterey Park, CA
Astrana Health, Inc. | Monterey Park, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. We are currently seeking a highly motivated Staff Software Engineer to deliver best-in-class technological e... more
7 Days Ago
NIO USA, INC
San Jose, CA
NIO USA, INC | San Jose, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About NIO. NIO Inc. is a pioneer and a leading company in the global smart electric vehicle market. Founded in November 2... more
7 Days Ago
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