BLS OEWS Data · 2025

Software Engineer Salary in San Diego, CA

Based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median Annual Salary
$153,000
vs. National Average
+12%
National: $136,620

Salary Range in San Diego

Top 10%$242,400
75th Percentile$192,600
Median (50th)$153,000
25th Percentile$114,200
Bottom 10%$86,200

How Much Does a Software Engineer Make in San Diego, CA?

The median Software Engineer salary in San Diego, CA is $153,000 per year as of 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is 12% higher than the national median of $136,620.

Salaries in San Diego range from $86,200 at the 10th percentile to $242,400 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% of Software Engineers in San Diego earn between $114,200 and $192,600 per year.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Occupation: Software Engineer (SOC 15-1252).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Software Engineer make in San Diego, CA?

The median Software Engineer salary in San Diego, CA is $153,000 per year as of 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What is the salary range for a Software Engineer in San Diego?

Software Engineer salaries in San Diego range from $86,200 at the 10th percentile to $242,400 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $114,200 and $192,600 per year.

Is San Diego a good place to work as a Software Engineer?

San Diego Software Engineer salaries are 12% higher than the national median. San Diego is an above-average market for Software Engineers.

Where does the salary data come from?

All data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey — the most comprehensive salary database in the United States, covering approximately 830 occupations across 600+ metropolitan areas.