Software Engineer Salary in California
California · Updated 2025 · Adjusted for local cost of living
Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience | P10 | P25 | Median | P75 | P90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Entry Level 0–2 years | $86K | $99K | $117,300 | $135K | $155K |
Mid Level 3–5 years | $121K | $141K | $165,600 | $196K | $228K |
Senior Level 6–9 years | $163K | $190K | $223,560 | $262K | $311K |
Lead / Principal 10–14 years | $200K | $232K | $269,100 | $315K | $373K |
Director / Executive 15+ years | $255K | $304K | $365,700 | $442K | $552K |
All figures are annual base salary in USD, adjusted for California cost of living (×1.38 vs national average). Source: BLS OES 2024, LinkedIn Salary Insights, Glassdoor.
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