California vs. national software developer wages
| Metric | California | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $165,338 | $132,270 | +25% |
| Mean annual wage | $184,275 | $147,420 | +25% |
| Take-home (single filer) | $112,744 | — | after all 2026 taxes |
California median derived from BLS OEWS May 2024 national figure adjusted by state wage pattern.
Take-home breakdown for $165,338 in California
Annual deductions
- Federal income tax
- −$28,415
- California state income tax
- −$11,531
- FICA (SS + Medicare)
- −$12,648
- Total taxes
- −$52,594
Your paycheck
- Annual net
- $112,744
- Monthly net
- $9,395
- Bi-weekly net
- $4,336
- Hourly equivalent
- $54.20/hr
Assumes single filer, no pre-tax deductions, standard deduction, 2026 IRS brackets. Use the full calculator for filing-status adjustments, 401(k) contributions, and other pre-tax items.
About this occupation
Designs, builds, and maintains software applications, systems, and operating systems. One of the fastest-growing and highest-paid US occupations.
Outlook (2023-2033)
+17% (2023-2033, much faster than average)
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field
BLS SOC Code
15-1252
Frequently asked questions
How much does a software developer make in in California in 2026?›
The national median annual wage for software developers was $132,270 in May 2024 (BLS OEWS), and is projected to grow with 2026 inflation adjustments. After federal and state income tax plus FICA, a $132,270 salary yields roughly $96,000-$105,000 in take-home pay depending on state.
Which states pay software developers the most?›
California ($165K+ median), Washington ($156K), New York ($159K), Massachusetts ($152K), and the District of Columbia ($162K) lead the country. High pay tracks to where major tech employers are concentrated (Silicon Valley, Seattle, NYC, Boston, DC).
Which states have the lowest software developer salaries?›
Mississippi ($99K), West Virginia ($103K), Arkansas ($106K), Kentucky ($110K), and New Mexico ($112K) are at the bottom of the range, though cost-of-living is also substantially lower in these states.
Is software development a good career in 2026?›
Yes. BLS projects 17% employment growth from 2023-2033 (much faster than the 4% average for all occupations), driven by cloud computing, AI, and continued software demand across every industry.
What is the take-home pay on a $165,338 software developer salary in California?›
On a $165,338 software developer salary in California, take-home pay is approximately $112,744/year ($9,395/month, $4,336/bi-weekly). That accounts for $28,415 in federal income tax, 11,531 in California state income tax, and $12,648 in FICA. The effective tax rate is 31.8%.
Highest-paying states for Software Developers
Related occupations in California
Want to model your own salary?
Open the Software Developer + California combo in the full calculator. Pre-filled with $165,338. Adjust filing status, 401(k), and other deductions.