📖 Read the computer programmers salary & career guide →
Computer Programmers Salary in California
Ranked #5 of 46 · CA
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of computer programmerss in California earn between $70,310 and $172,300. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean computer programmers salary in California is $119,900, about 14% above the U.S. average ($105,170). That works out to roughly $58/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in California
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $154,920 | $150,780 | 980 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $134,130 | $129,530 | 1,600 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $132,850 | $128,360 | 90 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $130,730 | $127,030 | 2,440 |
| Visalia, CA | $121,710 | $105,690 | 40 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $114,110 | $113,250 | 90 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $109,690 | $108,440 | 140 |
| Vallejo, CA | $108,830 | $105,130 | 30 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer programmers make in California?
The median computer programmers salary in California is $116,760 per year (mean $119,900), and about 80% earn between $70,310 and $172,300.
How much do computer programmers make per hour in California?
Roughly $58 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $119,900 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is California a high-paying state for computer programmers?
California ranks #5 of 46 states for computer programmers pay. Its mean salary of $119,900 is about 14% above the U.S. average of $105,170.
Which metro areas in California pay computer programmers the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in California for computer programmers are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($154,920), San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA ($134,130), Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($132,850), by median annual wage.