Software Developers Salary in San Jose, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Median annual salary $208,270 +56.5% vs national
Median hourly $100.13
10th percentile $134,830
90th percentile
Employed locally 90,280
National median $133,080

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Software Developers
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San Jose, CA
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    In San Jose, CA, software developers earn a median annual salary of $208,270, which significantly surpasses the local area's median household income of $157,444. This indicates that typical software developers in this region have earnings nearly 33% higher than the average household. Compared to the national median for software developers at $133,080, San Jose's figures are notably higher, reflecting both the high demand and specialized skill set required in one of California’s tech hubs. Despite a local unemployment rate of 4.20%, the robust employment opportunities in technology-driven sectors continue to support competitive salaries well above regional averages.

    For entry-level software developers in San Jose, earnings begin near the 10th percentile at approximately $134,830 annually, while those with greater experience can reach or exceed the 75th percentile mark of $222,550. This considerable salary range is driven by several factors including years of experience, proficiency in cutting-edge technologies, and specialized skills that are highly sought after in Silicon Valley’s competitive tech landscape. As developers progress in their careers, gaining expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence or cloud computing can lead to substantial increases in compensation, highlighting the value placed on advanced technical knowledge and innovation within this field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $134,830
    25th
    $171,610
    50th (median)
    $208,270
    75th
    $222,550

    San Jose economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $157,444 2023 • Census ACS
    Software Developers salary vs area income 132% Median Software Developers salary is 32% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Software Developers make per hour in San Jose?

    The median hourly wage for Software Developers in San Jose, CA is $100.13, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $139.02 or more per hour.

    Is San Jose above or below average for Software Developers salaries?

    The median Software Developers salary in San Jose, CA is 56.5% above the national median of $133,080. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Software Developers in San Jose?

    Entry-level Software Developers (10th percentile) earn around $134,830 per year in San Jose, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $171,610.