Software Developer Salary in Sacramento, 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
$149,340
in Sacramento · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$136,895
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#30
among cities with BLS data
Software Developers in Sacramento
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Sacramento, CA is $149,340 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $12,445/month or $72/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($135,190), Sacramento pays 10% more than the typical city.
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 109.1 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $149,340 in Sacramento is equivalent to $136,895 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $163,020 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $87,840 |
| Electrician | $81,750 |
| Accountant | $94,200 |
Full cost of living profile for Sacramento
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Sacramento.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Software Developer salary in Sacramento?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Sacramento, CA is $149,340 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Sacramento Software Developer pay compare nationally?
Sacramento Software Developer pay ($149,340) is 10% above the median across surveyed cities ($135,190).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in Sacramento?
Yes. Sacramento has a cost of living index of 109.1 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $149,340 salary in Sacramento has the purchasing power of approximately $136,895 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology