Software Developers, Los Angeles

$160,920

Local median annual wage in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA. Middle half of earners roughly $127,530 to $191,540.

Local salary guide, May 2025, as of May 15, 2026. Cost of living index (2024). Sources stay in methodology · disclaimer.

vs US median
+18.3%
US median
$135,980
Cost of living (113.6) Based on U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data. Scores over 100 mean a city is more expensive than the U.S. national average.
113.6
Local pay range The middle 50% of earners in this city make between these amounts, based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys.
$127,530 to $191,540
Local jobs in field Approximate number of people working in this role locally, not a count of open positions.
55,540
Job code
15-1252

Software Developers in Los Angeles pay a median $160,920 (May 2025), 18.3% above the US median of $135,980. At local prices (index 113.6), that median buys about what $141,655 buys at US-average prices.

What that pay buys

$160,920 in Los Angeles buys about what $141,655 buys at US-average prices (cost of living index 113.6, 2024). Housing & rent index is 170.4 vs overall 113.6 (US average = 100, 2024).

Software Developers in nearby metros

Metro Median Local pay range Cost of living
Los Angeles $160,920 $127,530 to $191,540 113.6
Miami $132,650 $102,710 to $165,710 114.2
San Francisco $186,640 $163,500 to $219,670 115.6
Tulsa $108,730 $87,570 to $133,590 89.2

Local salary guide May 2025 where published for the metro.

FAQ

What is the median salary for Software Developers in Los Angeles?
The median annual wage for Software Developers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $160,920 (May 2025 local salary guide).
How does Los Angeles pay compare to the US median for Software Developers?
Local median pay is 18.3% above the national median of $135,980.
How does cost of living change what that wage buys?
The cost of living index for Los Angeles is 113.6 (US average = 100, 2024). The local median of $160,920 has about the same buying power as $141,655 at US-average prices.
How current is this data?
Wages use the local salary guide for May 2025. Price levels use the 2024 cost of living index. See methodology for source details.

What this covers

Includes

  • Cost of living index for everyday expenses (housing, groceries & goods, services)
  • Local salary guide: median pay, typical pay range, and jobs in the field where published
  • Target salary math so you keep the same standard of living after a move
  • Approximate single-filer state income tax take-home on compare pages (see rate sources on the page)

Does not include

  • Local city taxes, credits, filing-status variants, or tax advice
  • Childcare, healthcare premiums, or leave benefits
  • Job openings. “Local jobs in field” is how many people work in the role, not hiring demand

Technical source names (RPP, OEWS) and formulas live on the methodology page.

Local pay figures and cost of living indexes come from official government surveys. See methodology and disclaimer.