Computer Programmer Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara
Writes, tests, and maintains code that runs software systems and applications.
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ranks #5 of 530 U.S. metro areas for computer programmer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $41,557 above the national average.
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $102,877 | $61,320 | +$41,557 | +67.8% |
| Level II | $130,853 | $78,293 | +$52,560 | +67.1% |
| Level III (Mid) | $158,850 | $95,267 | +$63,583 | +66.7% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $186,826 | $112,240 | +$74,586 | +66.5% |
Other metros in California
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $84,157 | $153,317 | $130,499 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $77,168 | $150,571 | $126,339 |
| 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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
The average computer programmer salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara is $159,120 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara at rank #5 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level computer programmers earn in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
Entry-level computer programmers (Level I) in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara earn $102,877 per year. Level II (early career) earns $130,853, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara compare to the national average for computer programmer salaries?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ranks #5 of 530 U.S. metro areas for computer programmer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $41,557 above the national average. The national average computer programmer salary is $95,436, while San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara workers average $159,120 — a difference of +67% 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.