As of August 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Technical Lead Software Engineer in San Diego, CA is $127,077, equivalent to $61 per hour, $2,444 weekly, or $10,590 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Technical Lead Software Engineer in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for Technical Lead Software Engineer in San Diego, CA vary widely, spanning from $107,623 to $147,707. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($116,894) and 75th percentile ($137,875), while top earners (90th percentile) make $147,707 per year. This $20,981 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, San Diego Technical Lead Software Engineer often earn 2.2% higher than national averages. However, San Diego currently ranks 128 statewide for Technical Lead 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
Technical Lead Software Engineer Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Technical Lead Software Engineer Salary $107,623 San Diego, CA August 01, 2026
25th Percentile Technical Lead Software Engineer Salary $116,894 San Diego, CA August 01, 2026
50th Percentile Technical Lead Software Engineer Salary $127,077 San Diego, CA August 01, 2026
75th Percentile Technical Lead Software Engineer Salary $137,875 San Diego, CA August 01, 2026
90th Percentile Technical Lead Software Engineer Salary $147,707 San Diego, CA August 01, 2026
25% $116,894 10% $107,623 90% $147,707 75% $137,875 $127,077 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Technical Sales Engineer or Technical Sales Manager

Borin Manufacturing, Inc. - San Diego, CA

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What is A Technical Lead Software Engineer ?

The salary for a Technical Lead Software Engineer typically ranges from $100,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on factors such as experience, location, and the specific industry. This role involves overseeing software development projects, guiding a team of engineers, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality software solutions. Responsibilities include designing system architecture, conducting code reviews, and mentoring junior developers. Technical Leads are expected to possess strong programming skills, proficiency in various technologies, and the ability to communicate effectively with s...

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

See user submitted job responsibilities for Technical Lead Software Engineer.

Job Openings for Technical Lead Software Engineer in San Diego, CA

Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Software Engineer II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. This Job:

    Technical Lead Software Engineer

    4 - 7 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  3. Up a level:

    Software Engineer IV

    7 + years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

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

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
116894
137875
127077

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
128920
158152
142825
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Technical Lead Software Engineer in San Diego, CA. The base salary for Technical Lead Software Engineer ranges from $116,894 to $137,875 with the average base salary of $127,077. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $128,920 to $158,152 with the average total cash compensation of $142,825.

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116894
137875

 

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

Technical Lead Software Engineer Salary in popular cities: Los AngelesSan JoseSan Francisco

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