Software Developers, San Jose

$213,110

Local median annual wage in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA. Middle half of earners roughly $173,650 to $226,080.

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

vs US median
+56.7%
US median
$135,980
Cost of living (110.4) Based on U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data. Scores over 100 mean a city is more expensive than the U.S. national average.
110.4
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.
$173,650 to $226,080
Local jobs in field Approximate number of people working in this role locally, not a count of open positions.
87,350
Job code
15-1252

Software Developers in San Jose pay a median $213,110 (May 2025), 56.7% above the US median of $135,980. At local prices (index 110.4), that median buys about what $193,034 buys at US-average prices.

What that pay buys

$213,110 in San Jose buys about what $193,034 buys at US-average prices (cost of living index 110.4, 2024). Housing & rent index is 211.9 vs overall 110.4 (US average = 100, 2024).

Software Developers in nearby metros

Metro Median Local pay range Cost of living
San Jose $213,110 $173,650 to $226,080 110.4
Urban Honolulu $120,230 $80,790 to $155,220 111
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 San Jose?
The median annual wage for Software Developers in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $213,110 (May 2025 local salary guide).
How does San Jose pay compare to the US median for Software Developers?
Local median pay is 56.7% above the national median of $135,980.
How does cost of living change what that wage buys?
The cost of living index for San Jose is 110.4 (US average = 100, 2024). The local median of $213,110 has about the same buying power as $193,034 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.