Software Developer salary in Sacramento, CA
Median pay, Sacramento metro
$139,640/year
about $67.13 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $126,650 – $170,240
Half of software developers in the Sacramento metro area earn more than $139,640 a year and half earn less. That's 3% higher than the national median of $135,980, and ranks #10 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $100,040 | $48.10 |
| 25th | $126,650 | $60.89 |
| Median (50th) | $139,640 | $67.13 |
| 75th | $170,240 | $81.85 |
| 90th (top earners) | $209,140 | $100.55 |
*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 Sacramento metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $126,650 ($60.89/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $126,650 to $170,240 ($60.89 to $81.85/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $170,240 ($81.85/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, Sacramento metro. Occupation: Software Developers (SOC 15-1252). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.