Software Engineer Salary in San Jose, CA
Software Engineer salaries in San Jose range from $101,500 to $319,000 in 2026. The mid-level median is $188,500, which is 45% above the national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
$101,500 – $145,000
Median: $123,250 · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
$159,500 – $217,500
Median: $188,500 · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
$224,750 – $319,000
Median: $271,875 · per year
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5 years
Entry level20+ years
Estimated Software Engineer Salary in San Jose, CA
3 sources$192,125–$268,250/year
Median: $230,188 per year (adjusted for San Jose cost of living)
Junior
$123,250
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$188,500
3-5 yrs
Senior
$271,875
6+ yrs
Cost of Living in San Jose
Cost of Living Levelvery high
Population1.0M
Top IndustriesSoftware & Internet, Semiconductors, Hardware & Electronics
vs National Average+45%
Top Employers in San Jose
AppleCisco SystemsAdobePayPalSamsung Semiconductor
How San Jose Compares
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $188,500 | very high |
| New York, NY | $188,500 | very high |
| Los Angeles, CA | $188,500 | very high |
| Chicago, IL | $156,000 | high |
| Houston, TX | $130,000 | moderate |
| Phoenix, AZ | $130,000 | moderate |