The average software engineer salary in California for 2025, including entry-level to senior pay scales, highest-paying cities, top industries, and salary growth trends. Learn how experience, skills, and company impact earnings.
How much do software engineers make in California per year?
California is home to some of the world’s leading tech companies, including Google, Apple, Facebook, and Tesla. As a result, software engineers in California enjoy some of the highest salaries in the United States. If you’re considering a career in software engineering or are looking to relocate, this guide provides detailed insights into the average salary, factors influencing pay, and job market trends in California.
1. Average Salary of Software Engineers in California
As of 2025, the average annual salary for software engineers in California is approximately $136,000. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer.
Salary Breakdown:
- Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): $95,000 – $120,000 per year
- Mid-Level (3-5 years of experience): $130,000 – $160,000 per year
- Senior-Level (5+ years of experience): $160,000 – $200,000+ per year
- Software Engineering Managers: $180,000 – $250,000+ per year
- Top Tech Companies (FAANG – Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google): Can exceed $250,000 including bonuses and stock options
2. Highest-Paying Cities for Software Engineers in California
Salaries can vary significantly based on location within the state. Here are some of the highest-paying cities for software engineers in California:
- San Francisco: $150,000 – $180,000 per year
- San Jose (Silicon Valley): $145,000 – $175,000 per year
- Los Angeles: $120,000 – $150,000 per year
- San Diego: $110,000 – $140,000 per year
- Sacramento: $100,000 – $130,000 per year
3. Factors Influencing Software Engineer Salaries
Several factors affect how much a software engineer earns in California:
a) Experience Level
As with most professions, experience plays a key role in determining salary. Entry-level engineers start with competitive salaries, but those with several years of experience see significant increases, especially if they specialize in high-demand skills like artificial intelligence or cybersecurity.
b) Specialization and Skills
Some programming languages and technical skills command higher salaries than others. Some of the top-paying skills include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning: $160,000 – $200,000
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud): $140,000 – $180,000
- Blockchain Development: $150,000 – $190,000
- Cybersecurity Engineering: $140,000 – $180,000
- Data Science & Big Data Analytics: $145,000 – $190,000
c) Company and Industry
The employer significantly impacts salary levels. Some of the best-paying industries for software engineers include:
- Tech Giants (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft): $160,000 – $250,000+
- Startups: $100,000 – $150,000 (with potential stock options)
- Finance & FinTech: $140,000 – $200,000
- Healthcare Tech: $130,000 – $170,000
d) Education & Certifications
A computer science degree from a reputable university can boost salary potential. Additionally, certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional Engineer, and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) can enhance earnings.
4. Software Engineer Salary Growth and Job Outlook
California remains a hub for software development, with continued demand for skilled engineers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 22% job growth in software development roles between 2024 and 2034, significantly higher than the national average.
Salary Growth Trends:
- 2022: $125,000 (Average Salary)
- 2023: $130,000 (Average Salary)
- 2024: $136,000 (Current Average Salary)
- 2025 (Projected): $140,000+
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
What is a good software engineer salary in California?
A good salary for a software engineer in California depends on experience and location. However, a salary of $130,000 or higher is considered competitive in most cities.
Do software engineers make $300K a year?
Yes, some senior software engineers, especially those working at FAANG companies or top fintech firms, can earn $300K+ annually, including bonuses and stock options.
Is $70K a good salary for a software engineer?
In California, $70K is below the average salary for software engineers. Entry-level engineers typically earn $95,000 or more in major cities.
Do software engineers make $200K a year?
Yes, many senior engineers, managers, and specialists in high-demand fields such as AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity can earn $200K+ per year.
Conclusion
Software engineering is one of the most lucrative career paths in California, offering high salaries, excellent job security, and numerous growth opportunities. While the cost of living in California is higher than in many other states, competitive salaries and benefits in the tech industry make it an attractive place for software engineers to build their careers.