How Much Does a Software Engineer 1 Make in California?

Updated March 01, 2025
As of March 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Software Engineer 1 in California is $91,481. While Salary.com is seeing that Software Engineer 1 salary in CA can go up to $108,928 or down to $75,084, but most earn between $82,899 and $100,614. 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.
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Similar Job Salaries to Software Engineer 1 by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Johnson & Johnson
Software Engineer - Diagnostic Software
$152,757/yr
$136,756
$168,759
RANGE: $136,756 - $168,759
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Software Engineer - Core Software
$135,595/yr
$121,391
$149,799
RANGE: $121,391 - $149,799
ChargePoint
Software Engineer - Factory Software
$152,757/yr
$136,756
$168,759
RANGE: $136,756 - $168,759
SPECTRAFORCE
Software Engineer
$124,601/yr
$113,489
$135,712
RANGE: $113,489 - $135,712
Axelon Services Corporation
Software Engineer
$134,256/yr
$120,192
$148,320
RANGE: $120,192 - $148,320
ServiceNow
Software Engineer
$135,498/yr
$119,244
$151,752
RANGE: $119,244 - $151,752
EMINENT, INC.
Software Engineer
$134,986/yr
$120,846
$149,126
RANGE: $120,846 - $149,126
Harmony
Software Engineer
$132,577/yr
$117,154
$148,000
RANGE: $117,154 - $148,000
Convex
Software Engineer
$152,149/yr
$136,211
$168,087
RANGE: $136,211 - $168,087

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Software Engineer 1 Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Software Engineer 1 can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Software Engineer 1 job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Software Engineer 1 jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Software Engineer 1 positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Software Engineer 1 salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Software Engineer 1 salary is $104,088 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Software Engineer 1 salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Software Engineer 1 in California is $91,481, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Software Engineer 1 jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Software Engineer 1 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 $104,088 $8,674 $2,002 $50
Santa Clara $104,088 $8,674 $2,002 $50
Fremont $103,922 $8,660 $1,999 $50
San Francisco $103,673 $8,639 $1,994 $50
Daly City $103,673 $8,639 $1,994 $50
Berkeley $101,185 $8,432 $1,946 $49
Oakland $101,185 $8,432 $1,946 $49
Hayward $101,019 $8,418 $1,943 $49
Antioch $95,545 $7,962 $1,837 $46
Vallejo $93,306 $7,775 $1,794 $45

What Does a Software Engineer 1 Do?

Of software engineers and developers include computer systems design companies, software publishers, and manufacturing organizations.
Updated December 14, 2021
For someone who wants to take on additional responsibility and more of a challenge, but is not interested in team management, a lead software engineer or architect role may be a great fit.
Updated December 04, 2021
Steve McConnell opines that because most universities teach computer science rather than software engineering, there is a shortage of true software engineers.
Updated December 03, 2021
There are many types of software that a software engineer can develop, such as operating systems, computer games, middleware, business applications, and network control systems.
Updated November 14, 2021
A software engineer's job is to figure problems out and to produce a great product, not just to write as many amazing lines of code as possible.
Updated October 31, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Software Engineer 1 Salaries

What is the average of a Software Engineer 1 in California?

The Software Engineer 1 salary range is from $82,899 to $100,614, and the average Software Engineer 1 salary is $91,481/year in California. The Software Engineer 1's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Software Engineer 1 salary in the United States?

The Software Engineer 1 salary in San Jose, CA is $104,088 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Software Engineer 1'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 Software Engineer 1.

What is the growth rate of the Software Engineer 1's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Software Engineer 1 or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Software Engineer 1.