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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Application Software Engineer in California is $139,431 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.
However, an Application Software Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Application Software Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $150,589 | $12,549 | $2,896 | $72 |
| Average | $139,431 | $11,619 | $2,681 | $67 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,352 | $10,613 | $2,449 | $61 |
K2 Space - Los Angeles, CA
Staffing the Universe - San Mateo, CA
Alif Semiconductor - Pleasanton, CA
Alif Semiconductor - Pleasanton, CA
An Application 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 an Application 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 Application Software Engineer | $89,004 |
| Software ... Level Application Software Engineer | $114,540 |
| Applicati... Level Application Software Engineer | $140,270 |
| Software ... Level Application Software Engineer | $162,286 |
| Software ... Level Application Software Engineer | $186,561 |
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 Application 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 Application 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, Application Software Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Application 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 | $158,952 | $76.0 | 14% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $156,163 | $75.0 | 12% |
| Internet | $154,769 | $74.0 | 11% |
| Biotechnology | $153,374 | $74.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $151,980 | $73.0 | 9% |
Understanding how an Application 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 | $150,589 | $12,549 | $2,896 | $72 |
| Average | $139,431 | $11,619 | $2,681 | $67 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,352 | $10,613 | $2,449 | $61 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Application Software Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Saviynt
El Segundo, CA
Saviynt | El Segundo, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Saviynt's AI-powered identity platform manages and governs human and non-human access to all of an organization's applica... more
7 Days Ago
Forgent
San Diego, CA
Forgent | San Diego, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. We are seeking an Application Engineer who provides advanced technical expertise to support customers, sales... more
5 Days Ago
AEI-CIG
Santa Clara, CA
AEI-CIG | Santa Clara, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Overview. As an application engineer at CIG, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge optical trans... more
5 Days Ago
Allient Incorporated
Loomis, CA
Allient Incorporated | Loomis, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Allient Inc. is in growth mode and currently seeking an Applications Engineer to join our Allient Sacramento team. The Ap... more
5 Days Ago
NR Consulting
Fremont, CA
NR Consulting | Fremont, CA
Application EngineerLocation:Fremont, CAResponsibilities:Provide exceptional technical support to customers, addressing their inquiries and issues related ... more
6 Days Ago
Keylent Inc
San Ramon, CA
Keylent Inc | San Ramon, CA
Application EngineerLocation:On site 3 days a week in San Ramon, CASkill:Workfusion Automation Engineer SpecDuration:1Year Visa:USC, GC, H1B GC EADHiring S... more
6 Days Ago
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