Computer Programmers Salary in California
Computer Programmers in California earn a median of $116,760 a year, +16% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $116,760
- vs. U.S. median
- +16% ($100,390)
- Rank among states
- 7 of 46
- Jobs in the state
- 11,340
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $70,310; the top 10% earn over $172,300. Nationally the range is $57,710 to $160,460.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Data Warehousing Specialists$170,160 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$128,740 median in California
- Web Developers$119,570 median in California
- Software Developers$174,410 median in California
- Blockchain Engineers$134,440 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Database Administrators$113,060 median in California
Computer Programmers pay in California
How much do computer programmers make in California?
The median is $116,760 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $70,310 and the top 10% earn over $172,300. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for computer programmers?
On pay alone it ranks 7 of 46 (+16% vs. the national median of $100,390). Living costs are not included.