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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Software Developer in California is $106,447 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Computer Software Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Computer Software Developer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $118,076 | $9,840 | $2,271 | $57 |
| Average | $106,447 | $8,871 | $2,047 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,477 | $7,790 | $1,798 | $45 |
RTL Networks Inc - Ridgecrest, CA
FieldAI - Irvine, CA
Sapta Global Inc - Signal Hill, CA
Pava Applications International Corporation - San Diego, CA
A Computer Software Developer'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 Computer Software Developer'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 |
|---|---|
| Electrica... Level Computer Software Developer | $181,886 |
| Electrica... Level Computer Software Developer | $218,918 |
| Computer ... Level Computer Software Developer | $107,348 |
| Electrica... Level Computer Software Developer | $135,395 |
| Electrica... Level Computer Software Developer | $160,382 |
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 Computer Software Developers. 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 Computer Software Developer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Computer Software Developer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer Software Developer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $159,671 | $77.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Computer Software Developer'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 | $118,076 | $9,840 | $2,271 | $57 |
| Average | $106,447 | $8,871 | $2,047 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,477 | $7,790 | $1,798 | $45 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Computer Software Developer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Saalex
Ridgecrest, CA
Saalex | Ridgecrest, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Saalex. is seeking a. Software Developer. in. Ridgecrest, CA. Saalex Corp., is an Engineering and Information Technology ... more
5 Days Ago
IBM
San Jose, CA
IBM | San Jose, CA
SOFTWARE DEVELOPER,IBM Corporation, San Jose, CA (Up to 40% tele-commuting permitted):Design, implement, and integrate generative AI solutions with the com... more
7 Days Ago
Mercor
San Francisco, CA
Mercor | San Francisco, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About the job. Mercor. connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San F... more
7 Days Ago
Fox
Los Angeles, CA
Fox | Los Angeles, CA
OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANYFOX Entertainment With a legacy spanning more than 35 years, FOX Entertainment is one of the world's most recognizable media brands ... more
4 Days Ago
Fox
Fremont, CA
Fox | Fremont, CA
OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANYFOX Entertainment With a legacy spanning more than 35 years, FOX Entertainment is one of the world's most recognizable media brands ... more
4 Days Ago
FOX ENTERTAINMENT
San Francisco, CA
FOX ENTERTAINMENT | San Francisco, CA
OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANYFOX EntertainmentWith a legacy spanning more than 35 years, FOX Entertainment is one of the world's most recognizable media brands a... more
7 Days Ago
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