Computer Programmer Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad
Writes, tests, and maintains code that runs software systems and applications.
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad ranks #26 of 530 U.S. metro areas for computer programmer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $15,848 above the national average.
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $77,168 | $61,320 | +$15,848 | +25.8% |
| Level II | $101,629 | $78,293 | +$23,336 | +29.8% |
| Level III (Mid) | $126,110 | $95,267 | +$30,843 | +32.4% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $150,571 | $112,240 | +$38,331 | +34.2% |
Other metros in California
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $102,877 | $186,826 | $159,120 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $84,157 | $153,317 | $130,499 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $69,722 | $146,494 | $121,160 |
| El Centro | $71,739 | $144,622 | $120,557 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $80,434 | $137,634 | $118,768 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average computer programmer salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
The average computer programmer salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad is $126,339 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad at rank #26 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level computer programmers earn in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
Entry-level computer programmers (Level I) in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad earn $77,168 per year. Level II (early career) earns $101,629, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad compare to the national average for computer programmer salaries?
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad ranks #26 of 530 U.S. metro areas for computer programmer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $15,848 above the national average. The national average computer programmer salary is $95,436, while San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad workers average $126,339 — a difference of +32% overall.
Data source: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers nationwide to collect wage data by occupation and geography. The four experience levels reflect DOL standardized tiers. Data reflects the most recently published survey cycle. SOC code: 15-1251.