Software Engineer Salary in San Jose, CA

Updated on Mar 08, 2025
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Salary

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

The average salary for a Software Engineer is $158,924 per year in San Jose, CA.

In San Jose, CA, Software Engineers enjoy a competitive salary landscape. The average yearly salary for this role stands at approximately $158,924. The salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $70,000, and experienced engineers can earn as much as $250,000.


The distribution of salaries shows a clear trend. About 3.1% of Software Engineers make around $70,000. As professionals gain experience, their earning potential increases. For example, approximately 12.8% take home around $151,818, while 17.2% earn about $168,182. Mid-career engineers can expect salaries around $119,091, while those with significant experience can earn $200,909 or more.


These figures highlight the strong demand for skilled Software Engineers in the area. The tech industry’s vibrant growth in Silicon Valley continues to drive up salaries, making it an exciting time for job seekers in this field.

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

Software engineers can find some of the highest salaries in cities near San Jose, CA. Los Gatos stands out with an impressive average salary of $356,657. Other notable cities include Cupertino and Santa Clara, offering average salaries of $197,737 and $178,465, respectively.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Software Engineer jobs near San Jose, CA, highlighting Los Gatos, CA with the highest at $356,657 and Newark, CA with the lowest at $157,141.
  1. Los Gatos, CA
    Average Salary: $356,657
    Working in Los Gatos offers a vibrant tech scene with companies like Netflix nearby. Professionals enjoy a mix of innovation and a cozy community atmosphere.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Los Gatos, CA


  2. Cupertino, CA
    Average Salary: $197,737
    Home to Apple, Cupertino features a dynamic work environment for technology professionals. The city thrives on creativity and collaboration, making it an exciting place to grow a tech career.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Cupertino, CA


  3. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $178,465
    Santa Clara is a hub for many leading tech companies including Intel and NVIDIA. Being part of this community means access to cutting-edge projects and a strong job market.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  4. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $171,962
    With giants like Yahoo and LinkedIn nearby, Sunnyvale offers ample opportunities for tech careers. The city combines a friendly atmosphere with a focus on innovation.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  5. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $171,840
    As the heart of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto showcases iconic companies like Tesla and Hewlett-Packard. This city provides a rich landscape for networking and professional growth.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  6. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $170,223
    Mountain View is home to Google and numerous startups, creating a lively ecosystem for tech talent. Professionals here enjoy a range of projects and a collaborative spirit.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA


  7. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $169,783
    Menlo Park, with Facebook's headquarters, fosters a culture of creativity and technology. It attracts bright minds eager to make an impact in the tech industry.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  8. Los Altos, CA
    Average Salary: $162,315
    Los Altos offers a charming environment with access to many tech opportunities in nearby areas. The strong community feel complements the innovative work being done.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Los Altos, CA


  9. Saratoga, CA
    Average Salary: $159,688
    Saratoga combines scenic beauty with a growing tech presence. The city attracts professionals who enjoy a peaceful lifestyle while working in cutting-edge fields.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Saratoga, CA


  10. Newark, CA
    Average Salary: $157,141
    Newark's growing tech scene makes it an appealing option for job seekers. The area hosts diverse companies, providing a blend of work opportunities and community support.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Newark, CA

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

SIMA Technologies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Align Technology lead the way for high salaries in software engineering jobs in San Jose, CA, with average earnings surpassing $206,000. ByteDance and Teradyne also offer competitive compensation, averaging around $202,000. Job seekers can find excellent opportunities with these companies, enhancing their career prospects while enjoying attractive pay.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Software Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA, highlighting SIMA TECHNOLOGIES with the highest at $212,700 and Zscaler with the lowest at $183,658.
  1. SIMA TECHNOLOGIES
    Average Salary: $212,700
    SIMA TECHNOLOGIES offers excellent opportunities for Software Engineers in San Jose, CA. The company focuses on cutting-edge technology solutions, creating a vibrant environment for professionals to innovate and grow.


  2. Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE
    Average Salary: $206,652
    At Hewlett Packard Enterprise in San Jose, CA, Software Engineers work on next-generation technology services. The company encourages teamwork and supports employees in developing their skills in a dynamic workplace.


  3. Align Technology
    Average Salary: $206,317
    Align Technology, located in San Jose, CA, provides Software Engineers with the opportunity to work on innovative medical devices. The company values creativity and offers a collaborative environment that promotes professional growth.


  4. ByteDance
    Average Salary: $203,541
    ByteDance's San Jose office offers Software Engineers a chance to work on popular content platforms. The company thrives on innovation and encourages employees to bring fresh ideas to the table.


  5. Teradyne
    Average Salary: $201,775
    Teradyne, based in San Jose, CA, is a leader in automated test equipment. Software Engineers here develop high-performance applications in a fast-paced environment that values innovation.


  6. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $200,556
    CyberCoders provides Software Engineers in San Jose with recruitment services that focus on matching talent with top companies. Employees have the chance to work with both clients and candidates to shape their careers.


  7. NIO
    Average Salary: $193,433
    NIO operates in San Jose, CA, focusing on smart electric vehicles. Software Engineers play a crucial role in developing technologies that enhance user experience and sustainability.


  8. Innominds Software
    Average Salary: $187,895
    Innominds Software, located in San Jose, CA, focuses on digital transformation. Software Engineers work on diverse projects that leverage technological advancements and support business needs.


  9. The Trade Desk
    Average Salary: $183,810
    The Trade Desk in San Jose offers Software Engineers a chance to engage in advanced data analytics and marketing technology. The company encourages innovation and rewards talent with competitive salaries.


  10. Zscaler
    Average Salary: $183,658
    Zscaler, based in San Jose, CA, specializes in cloud security. Software Engineers collaborate to enhance security solutions for global customers, fostering growth and development in a supportive environment.

There are 7,809 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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