Software Engineer Salary in Santa Clara, CA

Updated on Mar 08, 2025
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How much does a Software Engineer make in Santa Clara, CA?

The average salary for a Software Engineer is $178,465 per year in Santa Clara, CA.

For Software Engineers in Santa Clara, CA, the salary landscape looks promising. The average yearly salary stands at about $178,465. This figure reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in the technology sector.


Entry-level Software Engineers can expect salaries starting around $82,500. As they gain experience, salaries increase significantly. For example, an engineer with a few years of experience can earn about $104,080 or more.


Mid-level positions typically offer salaries between $125,659 and $168,818. Those who advance to senior roles see salaries rise even higher, reaching around $190,398 to $298,295 depending on expertise and the specific company. Top-tier positions can even pay up to $319,875.


This steady increase in salary shows that pursuing a career as a Software Engineer in Santa Clara can be both financially rewarding and fulfilling. With continued growth and innovation in the tech industry, now is a great time to consider this path.

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What are the highest paying cities for Software Engineer near Santa Clara, CA?

For software engineers near Santa Clara, Los Gatos stands out with an impressive average salary of $356,657. Cupertino and Sunnyvale also offer competitive pay, averaging $197,737 and $171,962, respectively. Other notable cities include Palo Alto and Mountain View, where salaries are similarly attractive, making this region a prime location for software engineering careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Software Engineer jobs near Santa Clara, 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 great mix of innovation and community. Known for its scenic views, the area is home to companies like Netflix, providing exciting opportunities in software development.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Los Gatos, CA


  2. Cupertino, CA
    Average Salary: $197,737
    Cupertino is the heart of technology, especially with Apple’s headquarters located here. Professionals enjoy a dynamic work environment and collaboration with some of the brightest minds in the industry.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Cupertino, CA


  3. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $171,962
    Sunnyvale is a key player in Silicon Valley's tech scene. It hosts many technology firms, including Yahoo and Juniper Networks, creating a vibrant workplace for software professionals.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  4. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $171,840
    Palo Alto is a bustling hub for startups and well-established tech companies like Hewlett-Packard and VMware. The city encourages innovation and offers a rich network for tech careers.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  5. Mountain View, CA
    Average Salary: $170,223
    Mountain View boasts Google’s headquarters, making it a prime location for software experts. The city's energy and focus on technology foster a creative work environment.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Mountain View, CA


  6. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $169,783
    Menlo Park is home to Facebook and various tech startups, making it a hotspot for software professionals. The collaborative spirit among tech companies creates a supportive atmosphere.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  7. Los Altos, CA
    Average Salary: $162,315
    Los Altos offers a quieter, suburban feel while being close to Silicon Valley's tech giants. It's a great place for software engineers seeking a balance between work and lifestyle.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Los Altos, CA


  8. Saratoga, CA
    Average Salary: $159,688
    Saratoga is known for its scenic beauty and a smaller tech scene. Those working here can enjoy a tight-knit community while still accessing major tech companies nearby.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Saratoga, CA


  9. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $158,924
    San Jose is a thriving tech city, hosting several major tech firms like Cisco and Adobe. The job market is robust, offering many opportunities for software professionals.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  10. Newark, CA
    Average Salary: $157,141
    Newark combines a growing tech presence with a friendly neighborhood vibe. Professionals will find a mix of established companies and startups contributing to a diverse work environment.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Newark, CA

What are the best paying companies for Software Engineer in Santa Clara, CA?

In Santa Clara, CA, several top companies offer impressive salaries for software engineers. NVIDIA leads the pack with an average salary of $233,839, closely followed by Aviatrix and Oski Technology at $231,800 and $229,587, respectively. Other notable companies like Apple and Pure Storage also provide attractive compensation, ensuring a competitive landscape for job seekers in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Software Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA, highlighting NVIDIA with the highest at $233,839 and d-Matrix with the lowest at $193,531.
  1. NVIDIA
    Average Salary: $233,839
    NVIDIA is a leader in AI and graphics technology. Software Engineers at NVIDIA work on exciting projects that push the boundaries of innovation. The company has a strong presence in Santa Clara, offering advanced tools and technologies.


  2. Aviatrix
    Average Salary: $231,800
    Aviatrix specializes in cloud network solutions. Software Engineers here design and implement powerful networking tools. The team in Santa Clara focuses on enhancing cloud connectivity across various platforms.


  3. Oski Technology
    Average Salary: $229,587
    Oski Technology provides software solutions for design engineers. Software Engineers contribute to projects that support semiconductor development. The Santa Clara location fosters collaboration and creativity.


  4. Apple
    Average Salary: $226,604
    Apple is well-known for its innovative products and technology. Software Engineers here create software for a variety of devices. The Santa Clara office is a vital part of Apple's engineering efforts.


  5. Pure Storage
    Average Salary: $216,609
    Pure Storage focuses on data storage solutions. Software Engineers work on cutting-edge technologies that optimize data management. The company operates in Santa Clara, where it promotes a dynamic work environment.


  6. Qualcomm
    Average Salary: $205,310
    Qualcomm is a leader in mobile technologies. Software Engineers design systems for communication devices. The Santa Clara branch contributes significantly to the company's growth in wireless technology.


  7. SiFive
    Average Salary: $201,060
    SiFive develops RISC-V based silicon products. Software Engineers are involved in the development of high-performance processors. The presence in Santa Clara allows engineers to work at the forefront of technology.


  8. CARIAD
    Average Salary: $196,904
    CARIAD develops software for the automotive industry. Software Engineers focus on building systems for connected cars. The Santa Clara office plays a crucial role in developing advanced automotive solutions.


  9. Ampere Computing
    Average Salary: $193,786
    Ampere Computing creates processors for cloud and edge computing. Software Engineers work on innovative designs that drive performance. The Santa Clara location is essential for research and development.


  10. d-Matrix
    Average Salary: $193,531
    d-Matrix specializes in AI hardware and software. Software Engineers work on creating technologies that enable machine learning. The Santa Clara office is key to spearheading advancements in AI solutions.

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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Software Engineer
7,809 Job Openings
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