Software Developer Salary in Oakland, 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 Oakland · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$159,794
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#3
among cities with BLS data
Software Developers in Oakland
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Oakland, 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), Oakland pays 39% more than the typical city.
Oakland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland 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, CAYou are here | $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 Oakland
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $178,450 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $96,460 |
| Electrician | $104,240 |
| Accountant | $119,870 |
Full cost of living profile for Oakland
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Oakland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Software Developer salary in Oakland?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Oakland, CA is $187,840 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Oakland Software Developer pay compare nationally?
Oakland Software Developer pay ($187,840) is 39% above the median across surveyed cities ($135,190).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in Oakland?
Yes. Oakland has a cost of living index of 117.6 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $187,840 salary in Oakland 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