Software Engineer Salary in San Diego, CA

Updated on May 09, 2025
Position
City
Salary

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

The average salary for a Software Engineer is $152,465 per year in San Diego, CA.

A Software Engineer in San Diego, CA, enjoys a competitive salary. On average, these professionals earn around $152,465 per year. This figure reflects the high demand for skilled software engineers in the region. The salary range can vary based on experience, skills, and the specific company.

The salary for Software Engineers in San Diego can range from about $71,500 to over $237,500 annually. Entry-level positions start at around $71,500, while experienced engineers can earn upwards of $237,500. Companies in tech hubs often offer higher salaries to attract top talent. Factors like education, certifications, and specific programming languages can also impact earning potential.

Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Software Engineer near San Diego, CA?

Software engineers near San Diego, CA, can find top-paying jobs in Poway, Coronado, La Jolla, and Chula Vista. Poway offers the highest average salary at $124,685. Coronado follows closely with an average salary of $123,375. La Jolla and Chula Vista also provide competitive salaries, with averages of $118,879 and $116,208, respectively. These cities present excellent opportunities for software engineers seeking rewarding positions.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Software Engineer jobs near San Diego, CA, highlighting Poway, CA with the highest at $124,685 and Chula Vista, CA with the lowest at $116,208.
  1. Poway, CA
    Average Salary: $124,685
    In Poway, tech companies thrive, offering many opportunities for developers. Companies like Qualcomm and Cirrus Logic provide a dynamic environment. The cost of living is high, but the job market is strong.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Poway, CA


  2. Coronado, CA
    Average Salary: $123,375
    Coronado boasts a mix of tech startups and established firms. Working here means access to cutting-edge projects. The island setting offers a unique work-life balance, with beautiful surroundings.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Coronado, CA


  3. La Jolla, CA
    Average Salary: $118,879
    La Jolla is a hub for innovation, with companies like Illumina and Qualcomm. The area offers a vibrant community and a high quality of life. Developers here enjoy a mix of challenges and perks.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in La Jolla, CA


  4. Chula Vista, CA
    Average Salary: $116,208
    Chula Vista is growing rapidly, with many tech firms setting up shop. The city offers a lower cost of living compared to other areas. It’s an excellent place for those looking to advance their careers.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Chula Vista, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Software Engineer in San Diego, CA?

Software engineers in San Diego, CA, can find top-paying jobs at companies like CoStar Group and PlayStation. These companies offer competitive salaries, making them attractive options for job seekers. Other notable employers include Nautilus Bio, Snap Inc., and Apple, all of which provide excellent compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA, highlighting CoStar Group with the highest at $230,250 and Motion Recruitment with the lowest at $173,333.
  1. CoStar Group
    Average Salary: $230,250
    CoStar Group offers exciting Software Engineer roles in San Diego. They focus on real estate technology. Their headquarters is in Washington, D.C., but they have offices in San Diego.


  2. PlayStation
    Average Salary: $218,500
    PlayStation provides dynamic Software Engineer positions in San Diego. They are a leader in video game consoles. Their main office is in San Mateo, but they also have a presence in San Diego.


  3. Nautilus Bio
    Average Salary: $217,500
    Nautilus Bio offers rewarding Software Engineer jobs in San Diego. They work in biotechnology. Their headquarters is in Seattle, but they have offices in San Diego.


  4. Snap Inc.
    Average Salary: $208,000
    Snap Inc. has top-paying Software Engineer roles in San Diego. They are known for their social media platform. Their main office is in Los Angeles, but they also have offices in San Diego.


  5. Apple
    Average Salary: $192,301
    Apple offers competitive Software Engineer salaries in San Diego. They are a global tech giant. Their headquarters is in Cupertino, but they have offices in San Diego.


  6. Intuit
    Average Salary: $183,643
    Intuit provides attractive Software Engineer positions in San Diego. They focus on financial software. Their main office is in Mountain View, but they also have offices in San Diego.


  7. LPL Financial
    Average Salary: $182,040
    LPL Financial offers good Software Engineer jobs in San Diego. They are in financial services. Their headquarters is in San Diego.


  8. Goddard Technologies
    Average Salary: $174,000
    Goddard Technologies offers Software Engineer roles in San Diego. They work in aerospace and defense. Their headquarters is in San Diego.


  9. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $173,968
    ServiceNow provides Software Engineer positions in San Diego. They focus on cloud-based software. Their headquarters is in Santa Clara, but they have offices in San Diego.


  10. Motion Recruitment
    Average Salary: $173,333
    Motion Recruitment offers Software Engineer jobs in San Diego. They specialize in recruitment and staffing. Their headquarters is in San Diego.

Currently 7,791 Software Engineer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Software Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Software Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Software Engineer today.
Position
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Software Engineer
7,791 Job Openings