Software Developer salary in San Francisco, CA
Median pay, San Francisco Bay Area (SF/Oakland)
$186,640/year
about $89.73 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $163,500 – $219,670
Half of software developers in the San Francisco Bay Area (SF/Oakland) area earn more than $186,640 a year and half earn less. That's 37% higher than the national median of $135,980, and ranks #2 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $128,090 | $61.58 |
| 25th | $163,500 | $78.61 |
| Median (50th) | $186,640 | $89.73 |
| 75th | $219,670 | $105.61 |
| 90th (top earners) | $273,400 | $131.44 |
*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 Francisco Bay Area (SF/Oakland) area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $163,500 ($78.61/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $163,500 to $219,670 ($78.61 to $105.61/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $219,670 ($105.61/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 Francisco Bay Area (SF/Oakland). Occupation: Software Developers (SOC 15-1252). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.