How to Become a Software Developers in California
Software Developers in California earn a median salary of $170,910/year, which is 28% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~7.0%. After taxes and rent, a software developers takes home approximately $8,216/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a software developers can afford in California
Becoming a software developers in California
Meet education requirements
Software Developers positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many software developers positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for software developerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 292,630 software developers. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Software Developers salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $208K | $100.13/hr | 90,280 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $175K | $84.09/hr | 76,900 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $163K | $78.38/hr | 2,030 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $159K | $76.56/hr | 21,080 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $155K | $74.68/hr | 54,650 |
| Yuba City | $146K | $69.98/hr | 70 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $141K | $67.86/hr | 630 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $141K | $67.8/hr | 7,410 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $139K | $66.7/hr | 580 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $138K | $66.58/hr | 2,420 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $137K | $65.75/hr | 4,340 |
| Vallejo | $135K | $64.7/hr | 320 |
| Salinas | $134K | $64.57/hr | 280 |
| Merced | $133K | $64.12/hr | 60 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $133K | $63.75/hr | 740 |
Software Developers salary range in California
Software Developers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a software developers make in California?▼
The median software developers salary in California is $170,910 per year ($82.17/hr). This is 28% above the national median of $133,080. Salaries range from $103,950 to $0.
What are the requirements to become a software developers in California?▼
Software Developers positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a software developers afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $170,910, a software developers in California would take home approximately $9,628/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 14.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for software developers in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for software developers in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($208,270), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($174,910), Santa Maria-Santa Barbara ($163,020). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for software developers?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 7.0%. On a $170,910 salary, this means roughly $12,032/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.