Software Developer salary in Los Angeles, CA
Median pay, Los Angeles metro
$160,920/year
about $77.37 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $127,530 – $191,540
Half of software developers in the Los Angeles metro area earn more than $160,920 a year and half earn less. That's 18% higher than the national median of $135,980, and ranks #7 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $98,270 | $47.25 |
| 25th | $127,530 | $61.31 |
| Median (50th) | $160,920 | $77.37 |
| 75th | $191,540 | $92.09 |
| 90th (top earners) | $223,150 | $107.28 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a software developer job in the Los Angeles metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $127,530 ($61.31/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $127,530 to $191,540 ($61.31 to $92.09/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $191,540 ($92.09/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Total pay at larger companies often includes stock and bonuses, so compare total compensation, not just salary.
- A fully remote role is usually priced against national pay, while on-site roles in big tech hubs tend to pay more.
- On-call rotations are common. Ask how often and whether they come with extra pay or time off.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Los Angeles metro. Occupation: Software Developers (SOC 15-1252). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.