Software Engineer Salary in San Jose, CA

Updated on Jan 08, 2025
Position
City
Salary

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

The average salary for a Software Engineer is $158,100 per year in San Jose, CA.

Software Engineers in San Jose, CA, enjoy strong earning potential. The average yearly salary for this role stands at about $158,100. Salaries can vary widely based on experience and specific skills.


Entry-level positions typically start around $70,000. With a few years of experience, you can expect to make around $86,364 to $102,727. As you gain more expertise, salaries can rise quickly. Mid-career professionals often earn between $119,091 and $168,182.


Experienced Software Engineers and those in higher positions can see salaries reach $200,909 and above. Top earners in the field can even make as much as $250,000. This variation highlights the exciting opportunities available in San Jose for Software Engineers, making it a competitive and rewarding place to build your career.

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

Los Gatos, CA stands out as the highest paying city for Software Engineers near San Jose, boasting an impressive average salary of $355,343. Cupertino and Santa Clara follow, offering strong salaries of $196,380 and $178,153 respectively. These cities provide excellent opportunities for experienced professionals seeking rewarding careers in technology.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Software Engineer jobs near San Jose, CA, highlighting Los Gatos, CA with the highest at $355,343 and Newark, CA with the lowest at $156,459.
  1. Los Gatos, CA
    Average Salary: $355,343
    Working in Los Gatos offers a vibrant setting with a strong focus on technology. The area is home to various tech companies, providing many opportunities for growth and innovation.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Los Gatos, CA


  2. Cupertino, CA
    Average Salary: $196,380
    Cupertino stands out as a tech hub, featuring major players like Apple. Software professionals in this city enjoy a dynamic work environment and the chance to contribute to cutting-edge projects.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Cupertino, CA


  3. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $178,153
    Santa Clara is an exciting place for tech enthusiasts, hosting companies such as Intel and Nvidia. The city fosters a collaborative atmosphere where software talent can thrive.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  4. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $171,426
    Palo Alto is renowned for its vibrant tech scene, being home to numerous startups and established firms like Tesla. Working here offers great opportunities to engage with groundbreaking technology and innovative thinkers.
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  5. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $170,564
    Sunnyvale has a strong community of tech firms, including LinkedIn and Juniper Networks. This city provides a stimulating environment for software professionals looking to make an impact.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  6. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $169,590
    Menlo Park is an influential city in the tech world, with Facebook headquartered here. Software experts working in Menlo Park can expect an exciting and fast-paced work culture.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  7. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $167,109
    Mountain View boasts a thriving job market with companies such as Google. Software professionals benefit from the collaborative spirit and advanced technology that defines the city.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA


  8. Los Altos, CA
    Average Salary: $165,802
    Los Altos offers a charming community with a growing tech presence. It's an appealing location for software specialists seeking a balance of innovation and quality of life.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Los Altos, CA


  9. Saratoga, CA
    Average Salary: $163,026
    Saratoga is a suburban gem with a peaceful atmosphere and proximity to tech giants. Software professionals here enjoy a relaxed lifestyle paired with exciting job opportunities nearby.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Saratoga, CA


  10. Newark, CA
    Average Salary: $156,459
    Newark is a welcoming city with a developing tech sector. Software job seekers can find diverse roles in companies that focus on both innovation and community.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Newark, CA

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

In San Jose, CA, Software Engineers can find some of the highest salaries in the tech industry. Companies like Align Technology and Hewlett Packard Enterprise lead the way with average salaries exceeding $206,000. Other top contenders include ByteDance and SIMA Technologies, both offering impressive salaries as well.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Software Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA, highlighting Align Technology with the highest at $206,317 and eBay with the lowest at $179,951.
  1. Align Technology
    Average Salary: $206,317
    Align Technology specializes in developing 3D digital orthodontics. Software Engineers at Align in San Jose work on innovative solutions that improve dental treatment planning. The company focuses on creating cutting-edge technology for its customers.


  2. Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE
    Average Salary: $206,080
    Hewlett Packard Enterprise is a leader in technology solutions. Software Engineers at HPE in San Jose design and develop software that powers enterprise-level systems. The company values creativity and teamwork, allowing engineers to thrive in their roles.


  3. ByteDance
    Average Salary: $204,091
    ByteDance is famous for its content platforms like TikTok. Software Engineers in San Jose create algorithms and features that engage millions of users. The company encourages innovation and offers a vibrant work environment.


  4. SIMA TECHNOLOGIES
    Average Salary: $202,750
    SIMA TECHNOLOGIES focuses on advanced tech solutions in simulation and modeling. Software Engineers in San Jose contribute to impactful projects that push the boundaries of technology. The company supports continuous learning for its team.


  5. NIO
    Average Salary: $193,433
    NIO is known for its electric vehicles and smart driving technology. Software Engineers in San Jose work on autonomous driving systems and vehicle software. The company promotes a forward-thinking culture, attracting top talent.


  6. Innominds Software
    Average Salary: $187,895
    Innominds Software offers product engineering services. Software Engineers in San Jose develop solutions across various industries. The company fosters collaboration and welcomes diverse perspectives in its projects.


  7. The Trade Desk
    Average Salary: $183,810
    The Trade Desk specializes in digital marketing technology. Software Engineers in San Jose focus on creating tools that help businesses optimize their advertising strategies. The fast-paced work environment keeps passion and innovation at the forefront.


  8. Zscaler
    Average Salary: $181,897
    Zscaler provides cloud security solutions. Software Engineers in San Jose design and develop software that protects organizations from cyber threats. The company's commitment to security and excellence creates a stimulating work environment.


  9. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $180,417
    CyberCoders is a recruiting firm with a focus on tech roles. Software Engineers can find opportunities here that match their skills and interests. The collaborative atmosphere makes it easier for engineers to connect with top employers.


  10. eBay
    Average Salary: $179,951
    eBay is a global e-commerce leader. Software Engineers in San Jose develop features that enhance the user experience. The company provides a dynamic and engaging workspace that encourages creativity and growth.

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.
Position
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Software Engineer
6,618 Job Openings
Understanding the Software Engineer Role & How to Become One | ReadySetHire