💻 Software Developer Salary
Software Developer Salary in San Francisco, 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
$181,220
in San Francisco · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$153,572
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#4
among cities with BLS data
Software Developers in San Francisco
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in San Francisco, CA is $181,220 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $15,102/month or $87/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($134,550), San Francisco pays 35% more than the typical city.
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 118.0 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $181,220 in San Francisco is equivalent to $153,572 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 Francisco metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Software Developers by Salary
| Rank | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boulder, CO | $182,650 |
| 2 | Oakland, CA | $181,220 |
| 3 | Berkeley, CA | $181,220 |
| 4 | San Francisco, CAYou are here | $181,220 |
| 5 | Seattle, WA | $164,130 |
| 6 | Bell, CA | $164,130 |
| 7 | Bellevue, WA | $164,130 |
| 8 | Bellevue, NE | $164,130 |
| 9 | Tacoma, WA | $164,130 |
| 10 | Carlsbad, CA | $152,270 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in San Francisco
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $174,370 |
| 📚Elementary School Teacher | $103,520 |
| ⚡Electrician | $102,230 |
| 📊Accountant | $117,930 |
Full cost of living profile for San Francisco
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for San Francisco.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Software Developer salary in San Francisco?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in San Francisco, CA is $181,220 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does San Francisco Software Developer pay compare nationally?
San Francisco Software Developer pay ($181,220) is 35% above the median across surveyed cities ($134,550).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in San Francisco?
Yes. San Francisco has a cost of living index of 118.0 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $181,220 salary in San Francisco has the purchasing power of approximately $153,572 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology