Software Developer Salary in Los Angeles, 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
$157,390
in Los Angeles · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$137,160
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#19
among cities with BLS data
Software Developers in Los Angeles
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Los Angeles, CA is $157,390 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $13,116/month or $76/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($135,190), Los Angeles pays 16% more than the typical city.
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 114.7 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $157,390 in Los Angeles is equivalent to $137,160 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 Los Angeles metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Software Developers by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $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 Los Angeles
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $138,010 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $97,460 |
| Electrician | $81,940 |
| Accountant | $100,770 |
Full cost of living profile for Los Angeles
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Software Developer salary in Los Angeles?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Los Angeles, CA is $157,390 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Los Angeles Software Developer pay compare nationally?
Los Angeles Software Developer pay ($157,390) is 16% above the median across surveyed cities ($135,190).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in Los Angeles?
Yes. Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 114.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $157,390 salary in Los Angeles has the purchasing power of approximately $137,160 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology