Software Engineer Salary in San Diego, CA

Updated on Jan 08, 2025
Position
City
Salary

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

The average salary for a Software Engineer is $147,489 per year in San Diego, CA.

Software Engineers in San Diego, CA earn a competitive average yearly salary of $147,489. This figure reflects the strong demand for skilled professionals in the tech industry. Entry-level positions start around $67,500, offering a solid foundation for those beginning their careers. As software engineers gain experience and expertise, their salaries can rise significantly.


Mid-level engineers earn between $98,409 and $144,773, showing that skill development and increased responsibilities lead to higher pay. Senior positions see salaries range from $175,682 to over $237,500. This progression highlights the potential for career growth and financial reward in this field.


Overall, the salary spectrum for Software Engineers in San Diego demonstrates that with dedication and hard work, professionals can enjoy a lucrative and fulfilling career in technology.

View Software Engineer Jobs in San Diego, CA

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

For software engineers seeking high salaries near San Diego, Poway stands out with an average salary of $123,095. La Jolla follows closely with an average of $119,183, while Chula Vista offers a respectable $113,565. These cities provide excellent opportunities for skilled professionals looking to advance their careers in tech.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Software Engineer jobs near San Diego, CA, highlighting Poway, CA with the highest at $123,095 and Chula Vista, CA with the lowest at $113,565.
  1. Poway, CA
    Average Salary: $123,095
    Working in Poway offers a mix of suburban life and proximity to San Diego tech. Companies like Teradata and the booming startup scene provide many opportunities for talented professionals.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Poway, CA


  2. La Jolla, CA
    Average Salary: $119,183
    La Jolla boasts a vibrant tech community and stunning coastal views. With firms such as Illumina and Qualcomm nearby, engineers can enjoy innovative projects in a beautiful setting.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in La Jolla, CA


  3. Chula Vista, CA
    Average Salary: $113,565
    Chula Vista features a growing tech landscape with a strong focus on community. The presence of various tech companies and startups makes it an exciting place for engineers to develop new skills and projects.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Chula Vista, CA

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

In San Diego, Software Engineers can find excellent salaries at top companies. PlayStation leads the way with an impressive average salary of $244,333. Other notable pays include CoStar Group and Nautilus Bio, offering averages of $229,667 and $225,568, respectively, making this city a fantastic choice for tech professionals seeking high compensation.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Software Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA, highlighting PlayStation with the highest at $244,333 and Tendo with the lowest at $160,800.
  1. PlayStation
    Average Salary: $244,333
    PlayStation offers exciting opportunities for Software Engineers who develop cutting-edge gaming technology. The company operates in various locations in San Diego, focusing on building innovative gaming experiences.


  2. CoStar Group
    Average Salary: $229,667
    CoStar Group hires Software Engineers to create powerful data analytics tools in commercial real estate. Their San Diego office provides a collaborative environment that encourages growth and technical skills development.


  3. Nautilus Bio
    Average Salary: $225,568
    Nautilus Bio is at the forefront of biotechnology. Software Engineers work on diverse projects related to data analysis and bioinformatics. They have state-of-the-art facilities in San Diego dedicated to research and innovation.


  4. Apple
    Average Salary: $190,542
    Apple's San Diego campus focuses on hardware and software integration. Software Engineers contribute to developing technologies that enhance user experience across Apple’s ecosystem, providing a dynamic work environment.


  5. Goddard Technologies
    Average Salary: $174,000
    Goddard Technologies specializes in aerospace systems. Software Engineers in San Diego work on high-stakes projects that enhance technology in aviation and defense, surrounded by experts in the field.


  6. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $173,339
    ServiceNow develops cloud-based solutions for enterprise operations. Their San Diego Software Engineers tackle challenges in digital workflows, contributing to impactful software development with a focus on innovation.


  7. Moore & Associates
    Average Salary: $173,333
    Moore & Associates provides technology consulting services. Software Engineers work in San Diego on various projects, utilizing their skills to deliver custom software solutions tailored to client needs.


  8. Motion Recruitment
    Average Salary: $165,000
    Motion Recruitment connects talent with technology roles. As a Software Engineer in their San Diego office, you'll help find the right opportunities for candidates, while also working on internal projects that improve recruitment efforts.


  9. L3Harris
    Average Salary: $163,500
    L3Harris designs communication systems for government and commercial needs. Their San Diego office offers Software Engineers a chance to work on impactful defense and security projects in a supportive environment.


  10. Tendo
    Average Salary: $160,800
    Tendo focuses on enhancing patient engagement through technology. Software Engineers in San Diego contribute to building applications that improve healthcare experiences, driving innovation in the health tech industry.

There are 6,618 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.
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Software Engineer
6,618 Job Openings
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