Software Developer salary in San Diego, CA
Median pay, San Diego metro
$163,270/year
about $78.50 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $128,590 – $193,980
Half of software developers in the San Diego metro area earn more than $163,270 a year and half earn less. That's 20% higher than the national median of $135,980, and ranks #6 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $95,420 | $45.88 |
| 25th | $128,590 | $61.82 |
| Median (50th) | $163,270 | $78.50 |
| 75th | $193,980 | $93.26 |
| 90th (top earners) | $223,260 | $107.34 |
*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 San Diego metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $128,590 ($61.82/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $128,590 to $193,980 ($61.82 to $93.26/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $193,980 ($93.26/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, San Diego metro. Occupation: Software Developers (SOC 15-1252). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.