As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for computer software engineering in California is $153,647, equivalent to $74 per hour, $2,955 weekly, or $12,804 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for computer software engineering in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.
Annually Salaries for computer software engineering in California vary widely, spanning from $130,441 to $178,935. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($141,500) and 75th percentile ($166,884), while top earners (90th percentile) make $178,935 per year. This $25,384 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Software Development, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, California computer software engineering often earn 10.3% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 38 companies. However, California currently ranks 2 nationwide for computer software engineering job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
