As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for remote software engineer in California is $147,827, equivalent to $71 per hour, $2,843 weekly, or $12,319 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for remote software engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for remote software engineer in California vary widely, spanning from $125,499 to $172,157. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($136,140) and 75th percentile ($160,562), while top earners (90th percentile) make $172,157 per year. This $24,422 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 remote software engineer often earn 10.3% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 59 companies. However, California currently ranks 2 nationwide for remote software engineer job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
remote software engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile remote software engineer Salary $125,499 CA January 01, 2026
25th Percentile remote software engineer Salary $136,140 CA January 01, 2026
50th Percentile remote software engineer Salary $147,827 CA January 01, 2026
75th Percentile remote software engineer Salary $160,562 CA January 01, 2026
90th Percentile remote software engineer Salary $172,157 CA January 01, 2026
25% $136,140 10% $125,499 90% $172,157 75% $160,562 $147,827 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Software Engineer with Security Clearance

Forward Slope Incorporated - San Diego, CA

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What is a remote software engineer ?

The salary for a remote software engineer varies based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific technologies used. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries ranging from $60,000 to $80,000 annually, while mid-level engineers can expect between $80,000 and $120,000. Senior software engineers and those with specialized skills may earn upwards of $120,000, with some positions exceeding $150,000. Companies often provide additional benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible work hours. The demand for remote software engineers continues to grow, leadin...

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Location Avg. Salary Date Updated
Location Coachella, CA Avg. Salary $147,352 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Acampo, CA Avg. Salary $150,390 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Acton, CA Avg. Salary $154,792 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Adelanto, CA Avg. Salary $147,239 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Adin, CA Avg. Salary $143,822 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Agoura Hills, CA Avg. Salary $152,767 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Aguanga, CA Avg. Salary $147,549 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Ahwahnee, CA Avg. Salary $140,080 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Alameda, CA Avg. Salary $171,753 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Alamo, CA Avg. Salary $171,360 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Job Openings for remote software engineer in California

Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Software Engineer II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. This Job:

    remote software engineer

    4 - 7 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  3. Up a level:

    Software Engineer IV

    7 + years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

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