As of April 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Software Applications Engineer in San Diego, CA is $137,602, equivalent to $66 per hour, $2,646 weekly, or $11,467 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Software Applications Engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for Software Applications Engineer in San Diego, CA vary widely, spanning from $117,282 to $159,341. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($126,965) and 75th percentile ($148,981), while top earners (90th percentile) make $159,341 per year. This $22,016 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Application Development, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, San Diego Software Applications Engineer often earn 1.9% higher than national averages. However, San Diego currently ranks 135 statewide for Software Applications 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
Software Applications Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Software Applications Engineer Salary $117,282 San Diego, CA April 01, 2026
25th Percentile Software Applications Engineer Salary $126,965 San Diego, CA April 01, 2026
50th Percentile Software Applications Engineer Salary $137,602 San Diego, CA April 01, 2026
75th Percentile Software Applications Engineer Salary $148,981 San Diego, CA April 01, 2026
90th Percentile Software Applications Engineer Salary $159,341 San Diego, CA April 01, 2026
25% $126,965 10% $117,282 90% $159,341 75% $148,981 $137,602 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out Software Applications Engineer jobs in San Diego, California

Specialist Software Engineer

L3Harris Technologies - Placentia, CA

Specialist Software Engineer

L3Harris Technologies - Newport Coast, CA

Sr. Associate Software Engineer

L3Harris Technologies - La Habra, CA

Specialist Software Engineer

L3Harris Technologies - Placentia, CA

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What is A Software Applications Engineer ?

A Software Applications Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications that meet user needs and business objectives. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, create technical specifications, and implement solutions. Key tasks include coding, debugging, and testing applications, as well as optimizing performance and ensuring security standards are met. The salary for a Software Applications Engineer varies based on factors such as experience, education, and location. On average, salaries range from $70,000 t...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

See user submitted job responsibilities for Software Applications Engineer.

Job Openings for Software Applications Engineer in San Diego, CA

Understand the total compensation opportunity for A Software Applications Engineer, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
126965
148981
137602

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
129647
165067
146450
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Software Applications Engineer in San Diego, CA. The base salary for Software Applications Engineer ranges from $126,965 to $148,981 with the average base salary of $137,602. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $129,647 to $165,067 with the average total cash compensation of $146,450.

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126965
148981

 

About San Diego, California    According to SDSU professor emeritus Monte Marshall, San Diego Bay is "the surface expression of a north-south-trending, nested graben". The Rose Cany....More

San Diego, California  area prices were up 2.6% from a year ago

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