Software Developer salary in San Jose, CA
Median pay, San Jose / Silicon Valley metro
$213,110/year
about $102.46 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $173,650 – $226,080
Half of software developers in the San Jose / Silicon Valley metro area earn more than $213,110 a year and half earn less. That's 57% higher than the national median of $135,980, and ranks #1 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $138,420 | $66.55 |
| 25th | $173,650 | $83.49 |
| Median (50th) | $213,110 | $102.46 |
| 75th | $226,080 | $108.69 |
| 90th (top earners) | $289,150 | $139.01 |
*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 Jose / Silicon Valley metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $173,650 ($83.49/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $173,650 to $226,080 ($83.49 to $108.69/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $226,080 ($108.69/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 Jose / Silicon Valley metro. Occupation: Software Developers (SOC 15-1252). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.