Software Developers, Systems Software in California
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | California | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,670 | $110,000 | +16.1% vs US |
| State Rank | #1 of 51 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 88,910 jobs | 405,330 jobs | 21.9% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | 1.87 | 1.00 | High concentration |
Full Salary Distribution in California
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $81,120 | $39.00 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,640 | $47.90 |
| Median | $127,670 | $61.38 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,330 | $76.60 |
| 90th Percentile | $192,530 | $92.56 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Software Developers, Systems Software in California in 2026?
With a median salary of $127,670 in California and a 2014–2018 salary trend of +6.0%, software developers, systems software are still in strong and growing demand.
How can software developers, systems software increase their salary in California?
Software Developers, Systems Software in California can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: California currently ranks #1 out of 51 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Software Developers, Systems Software in California?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services | $129,060 |
| Other Information Services | $126,460 |
| Other Information Services | $126,460 |
How are Software Developers, Systems Software paid in California compared to the national average?
The median salary for Software Developers, Systems Software in California is $127,670, which is 16.1% above the national median of $110,000.