Software Developer Salary in San Francisco, CA
Average annual salary for software developers. Updated March 2026 with data from BLS, U.S. Census Bureau, and industry surveys.
Average Annual Salary
$170.800 – $366.000
+144% vs national average
$170.800$268.400$366.000
LowNational avg: $110.000High
San Francisco vs State & National Average
| Category | San Francisco | California Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average salary | $268.400 | $260.480 | $110.000 |
| Low estimate | $170.800 | $195.360 | $82.500 |
| High estimate | $366.000 | $338.624 | $143.000 |
Salary by Experience Level
| Item | Low | High | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior (0-2 years) | $134.200 | $207.400 | |
| Mid-level (3-5 years) | $195.200 | $292.800 | |
| Senior (5-10 years) | $268.400 | $390.400 | |
| Lead / Staff (10+ years) | $341.600 | $488.000 |
Software Developer Salary in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does software developer salary cost in San Francisco?
In San Francisco, CA, software developer salary typically costs between $170.800 and $366.000. The average is $268.400, which is 144% above the national average.
Is San Francisco expensive for software developer salary?
San Francisco has a cost-of-living index of 244 (100 = national average). Software Developer Salary costs are 144% higher than the national average of $110.000.
What factors affect software developer salary costs in San Francisco?
Key factors include local labor costs, cost of materials, market competition, California state regulations, and San Francisco's overall cost of living (index: 244/100). Prices can also vary by season and specific requirements.