Software Engineer Salary in San Diego, CA

Updated on Apr 11, 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.

If you're considering a career as a Software Engineer in San Diego, CA, you'll be pleased to know that the average yearly salary is around $152,465. This figure reflects the diverse range of salaries that software engineers can earn in this vibrant city. The salary data shows that the lowest 10% of earners make around $71,500 annually, while the top 10% earn upwards of $237,500 per year. This wide range offers plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement, making San Diego an attractive destination for tech professionals.


The tech industry in San Diego is thriving, with many companies offering competitive salaries and benefits to attract top talent. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance your skills, the city's job market provides a wealth of opportunities for software engineers. With a strong job market and a high quality of life, San Diego is an excellent place to build a successful career in software engineering.

View Software Engineer Jobs in San Diego, CA

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

If you're a software engineer near San Diego, CA, consider looking for jobs in Poway, La Jolla, or Chula Vista. These cities offer top salaries for software engineers, with Poway leading at $124,685 on average. La Jolla and Chula Vista follow closely, offering competitive salaries as well.
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 exciting roles for developers. Companies like Qualcomm and Cirrus Logic provide innovative projects and career growth.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Poway, CA


  2. La Jolla, CA
    Average Salary: $118,879
    La Jolla boasts a vibrant tech scene with opportunities at biotech firms like Illumina and startups. Working here means being part of cutting-edge research and development.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in La Jolla, CA


  3. Chula Vista, CA
    Average Salary: $116,208
    Chula Vista is home to a growing tech industry, with companies like Sharp Electronics and Mitsubishi Electric. Engineers here enjoy a mix of stability and innovation.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Chula Vista, CA

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

If you're a software engineer in San Diego, CA, you'll be pleased to know that top companies like CoStar Group, PlayStation, and Nautilus Bio offer some of the best salaries. These companies value skilled engineers and offer competitive pay to attract top talent. Consider these companies for your next career move.
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 Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA. They focus on real estate data and analytics. With offices in San Diego, they provide a dynamic work environment.


  2. PlayStation
    Average Salary: $218,500
    PlayStation, a Sony Interactive Entertainment company, offers Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA. They create gaming software and hardware. Their San Diego office is part of their innovation hub.


  3. Nautilus Bio
    Average Salary: $217,500
    Nautilus Bio provides Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA. They focus on biotechnology and medical devices. Their San Diego location is a key site for their research and development.


  4. Snap Inc.
    Average Salary: $208,000
    Snap Inc. offers Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA. They are known for their social media platform, Snapchat. Their San Diego office is part of their growing tech presence.


  5. Apple
    Average Salary: $192,301
    Apple offers Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA. They design consumer electronics and software. Their San Diego office is part of their broader tech innovation efforts.


  6. Intuit
    Average Salary: $183,643
    Intuit offers Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA. They create financial software for individuals and small businesses. Their San Diego office is a hub for their tech development.


  7. LPL Financial
    Average Salary: $182,040
    LPL Financial offers Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA. They provide financial services and investment solutions. Their San Diego office is a key part of their operations.


  8. Goddard Technologies
    Average Salary: $174,000
    Goddard Technologies offers Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA. They focus on aerospace and defense technology. Their San Diego office is part of their innovation center.


  9. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $173,968
    ServiceNow offers Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA. They provide cloud-based software for enterprise workflow automation. Their San Diego office is a key site for their tech development.


  10. Motion Recruitment
    Average Salary: $173,333
    Motion Recruitment offers Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA. They specialize in recruitment and staffing solutions. Their San Diego office is part of their growing network.

There are 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
Overview
Software Engineer
7,791 Job Openings
Understanding the Software Engineer Role & How to Become One | ReadySetHire