Computer Programmers Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Computer Programmers in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA make a median of $133,560 a year, or about $64.21 an hour. The range runs from $66K at the entry level to $174K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.89), so that salary is closer to $119,367 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,001/month — about 38.1% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $134K get you in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
About computer programmers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Entry-level computer programmers (10th percentile) start around $66K. Mid-career wages sit at $134K.Top earners bring in $174K or more - a $108K spread from bottom to top.
Computer Programmers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $159K | +61% | 3,220 |
| Montana | $129K | +30% | 450 |
| Oregon | $127K | +29% | 1,180 |
| California | $116K | +18% | 14,720 |
| Massachusetts | $115K | +17% | 3,040 |
| Virginia | $112K | +13% | 4,210 |
| Wisconsin | $110K | +11% | 3,020 |
| Minnesota | $108K | +10% | 1,960 |
| Hawaii | $108K | +9% | N/A |
| Wyoming | $105K | +7% | 60 |
| Kentucky | $105K | +6% | 1,640 |
| Maine | $103K | +4% | 420 |
| Maryland | $103K | +4% | 2,360 |
| New Jersey | $103K | +4% | 4,000 |
| Oklahoma | $101K | +2% | 1,420 |
Track computer programmers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do computer programmers make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median is $133,560 a year - that works out to about $64.21 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $66,380, and experienced computer programmers can clear $173,900. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $134K enough to live in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,790/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,001/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 38.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a computer programmers salary go in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad has a Regional Price Parity of 111.89 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median computer programmers salary is worth about $119,367 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do computer programmers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.