📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Computer Programmers Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$145,806
per year
Median
$137,740
per year
Hourly
$70.1
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$85,550
25th Percentile — Junior$118,648
50th Percentile — Median$137,740
75th Percentile — Senior$193,117
90th Percentile — Top Earners$223,342
💡 Top-earning Computer Programmerss in California make up to $223,342 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$111.6k
2021
$117.7k
2022
$124.2k
2023
$131.0k
2024
$138.2k
2025
$145.8k
2026
📈 Computer Programmers salaries in California have followed the national trend with 5.5% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Computer Programmers Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $225,999 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $215,793 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $250,786 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $269,741 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $157,470 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $177,883 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $211,419 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $157,470 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $207,045 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $204,128 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $186,632 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $172,051 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $225,999 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $172,051 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $163,303 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $177,883 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $167,677 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $215,793 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $233,290 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Computer Programmers Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Computer Programmerss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $145,806 per year, California's Computer Programmers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $85,550–$118,648, while experienced Computer Programmerss can command $193,117–$223,342.

Looking ahead, the Computer Programmers profession in California is projected to grow at 5.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Computer Programmers salary in California is $145,806 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $102,680.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Computer Programmerss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Computer Programmers employment.
  • At $145,806/year, California Computer Programmers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $102,680/year.