Software Developer Salary in Berkeley, CA (2026)
Software developers design, build, and test computer programs and applications. Includes software engineers, full-stack developers, and back-end developers.
Median Annual Salary
$187,840
in Berkeley · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$159,794
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#1
among cities with BLS data
Software Developers in Berkeley
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Berkeley, CA is $187,840 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $15,653/month or $90/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($135,190), Berkeley pays 39% more than the typical city.
Berkeley has a cost of living index of 117.6 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $187,840 in Berkeley is equivalent to $159,794 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Berkeley metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Software Developers by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CAYou are here | $187,840 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $187,840 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $187,840 |
| 4 | Boulder, CO | $186,270 |
| 5 | Bellevue, WA | $181,040 |
| 6 | Tacoma, WA | $181,040 |
| 7 | Seattle, WA | $181,040 |
| 8 | Titusville, FL | $175,170 |
| 9 | Palm Bay, FL | $175,170 |
| 10 | Melbourne, FL | $175,170 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Berkeley
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $178,450 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $96,460 |
| Electrician | $104,240 |
| Accountant | $119,870 |
Full cost of living profile for Berkeley
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Berkeley.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Software Developer salary in Berkeley?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Berkeley, CA is $187,840 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Berkeley Software Developer pay compare nationally?
Berkeley Software Developer pay ($187,840) is 39% above the median across surveyed cities ($135,190).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in Berkeley?
Yes. Berkeley has a cost of living index of 117.6 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $187,840 salary in Berkeley has the purchasing power of approximately $159,794 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology