Software Developer Salary in San Diego, 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
$157,860
in San Diego · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$142,549
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#16
among cities with BLS data
Software Developers in San Diego
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in San Diego, CA is $157,860 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $13,155/month or $76/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($135,190), San Diego pays 17% more than the typical city.
San Diego has a cost of living index of 110.7 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $157,860 in San Diego is equivalent to $142,549 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 San Diego 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 San Diego
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $139,350 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $86,960 |
| Electrician | $82,400 |
| Accountant | $104,740 |
Full cost of living profile for San Diego
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Software Developer salary in San Diego?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in San Diego, CA is $157,860 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does San Diego Software Developer pay compare nationally?
San Diego Software Developer pay ($157,860) is 17% above the median across surveyed cities ($135,190).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in San Diego?
Yes. San Diego has a cost of living index of 110.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $157,860 salary in San Diego has the purchasing power of approximately $142,549 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology