Computer Programmers Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Computer Programmers in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA make a median of $159,250 a year, or about $76.56 an hour. The range runs from $86K at the entry level to $215K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $144,222 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 37% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $159K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About computer programmers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level computer programmers (10th percentile) start around $86K. Mid-career wages sit at $159K.Top earners bring in $215K or more - a $129K 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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do computer programmers make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $159,250 a year - that works out to about $76.56 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $86,170, and experienced computer programmers can clear $214,990. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $159K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $9,054/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (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 $144,222 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.