CostOfCity

Software Developer Salary in San Jose, CA

Average annual salary for software developers. Updated March 2026 with data from BLS, U.S. Census Bureau, and industry surveys.

Average Annual Salary
$149.800$321.000
+114% vs national average
$149.800$235.400$321.000
LowNational avg: $110.000High

San Jose vs State & National Average

CategorySan JoseCalifornia AvgNational Avg
Average salary$235.400$229.130$110.000
Low estimate$149.800$171.848$82.500
High estimate$321.000$297.869$143.000

Salary by Experience Level

ItemLowHigh
Junior (0-2 years)$117.700$181.900
Mid-level (3-5 years)$171.200$256.800
Senior (5-10 years)$235.400$342.400
Lead / Staff (10+ years)$299.600$428.000

Software Developer Salary in Nearby Cities

Santa Cruz, CA
$192.500
+75% vs national
Oakland, CA
$209.000
+90% vs national
San Francisco, CA
$268.400
+144% vs national
Stockton, CA
$118.800
+8% vs national
Modesto, CA
$116.600
+6% vs national

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does software developer salary cost in San Jose?

In San Jose, CA, software developer salary typically costs between $149.800 and $321.000. The average is $235.400, which is 114% above the national average.

Is San Jose expensive for software developer salary?

San Jose has a cost-of-living index of 214 (100 = national average). Software Developer Salary costs are 114% higher than the national average of $110.000.

What factors affect software developer salary costs in San Jose?

Key factors include local labor costs, cost of materials, market competition, California state regulations, and San Jose's overall cost of living (index: 214/100). Prices can also vary by season and specific requirements.