How Much Does a Senior Lead Developer Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Senior Lead Developer in California is $124,548. While Salary.com is seeing that Senior Lead Developer salary in CA can go up to $146,868 or down to $99,916, but most earn between $111,655 and $136,231. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $111,655 10% $99,916 90% $146,868 75% $136,231 $124,548 50%(Median)
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Similar Job Salaries to Senior Lead Developer by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
enexusglobal
Java Tech Lead / Senior Developer
$122,807/yr
$112,766
$132,848
RANGE: $112,766 - $132,848
Info Way Solutions
Lead Developer
$142,034/yr
$129,683
$154,385
RANGE: $129,683 - $154,385
Intelligent Automation, a BlueHalo Company
Senior Software Developer/Lead (C++ Back-End Development)
$193,548/yr
$175,991
$211,105
RANGE: $175,991 - $211,105
Sumeru Solutions
Senior FullStack .NET /Lead Developer - Indpendent Contractor only
$141,552/yr
$130,125
$152,980
RANGE: $130,125 - $152,980
Estrada Consulting, Inc
Senior Developer
$111,333/yr
$101,228
$121,438
RANGE: $101,228 - $121,438
Okta Test Account
Senior Developer
$125,524/yr
$114,663
$136,385
RANGE: $114,663 - $136,385
Decision Point
Senior Developer
$129,116/yr
$118,639
$139,594
RANGE: $118,639 - $139,594
Davies Group Limited
Senior Developer
$111,382/yr
$102,413
$120,351
RANGE: $102,413 - $120,351

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Senior Lead Developer Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Senior Lead Developer can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Senior Lead Developer job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Senior Lead Developer jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Senior Lead Developer positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Senior Lead Developer salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Senior Lead Developer salary is $142,423 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Senior Lead Developer salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Senior Lead Developer in California is $124,548, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Senior Lead Developer jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Senior Lead Developer jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $142,423 $11,869 $2,739 $68
Santa Clara $142,423 $11,869 $2,739 $68
Fremont $142,152 $11,846 $2,734 $68
San Francisco $141,023 $11,752 $2,712 $68
Daly City $141,023 $11,752 $2,712 $68
Berkeley $137,895 $11,491 $2,652 $66
Oakland $137,895 $11,491 $2,652 $66
Hayward $137,669 $11,472 $2,647 $66
Antioch $130,104 $10,842 $2,502 $63
Vallejo $127,032 $10,586 $2,443 $61

What Does a Senior Lead Developer Do?

Sometimes what the team prefers is not what makes sense for us initially, but as a lead developer, one should have the capacity to rationalize and be flexible in accomodating the team’s decision, unless we have a crystal clear view that’s totally wrong.
Updated December 08, 2021
However, for companies that have both positions, the lead developer is in charge of the development team which includes senior developers.
Updated November 30, 2021
To help you on your journey we'll go through the process of finding and hiring your Lead/Senior Developer in a way that's practical, specific, and measurable.
Updated November 23, 2021
But, usually, lead developers are expected to take on some pretty important fundamental architectural design up-front.
Updated October 09, 2021
At first glance, the titles seem interchangeable, but there is actually a distinct difference between Lead Devs and Senior Developers.
Updated October 06, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Senior Lead Developer Salaries

What is the average of a Senior Lead Developer in California?

The Senior Lead Developer salary range is from $111,655 to $136,231, and the average Senior Lead Developer salary is $124,548/year in California. The Senior Lead Developer's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Senior Lead Developer salary in the United States?

The Senior Lead Developer salary in San Jose, CA is $142,423 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Senior Lead Developer's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Senior Lead Developer.

What is the growth rate of the Senior Lead Developer's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Senior Lead Developer or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Senior Lead Developer.