Computer Programmer Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Writes, tests, and maintains code that runs software systems and applications.
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara ranks #102 of 530 U.S. metro areas for computer programmer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $11,376 above the national average.
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $72,696 | $61,320 | +$11,376 | +18.6% |
| Level II | $89,190 | $78,293 | +$10,897 | +13.9% |
| Level III (Mid) | $105,706 | $95,267 | +$10,439 | +11.0% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $122,200 | $112,240 | +$9,960 | +8.9% |
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 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average computer programmer salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The average computer programmer salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is $105,851 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Santa Maria-Santa Barbara at rank #102 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level computer programmers earn in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
Entry-level computer programmers (Level I) in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara earn $72,696 per year. Level II (early career) earns $89,190, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Santa Maria-Santa Barbara compare to the national average for computer programmer salaries?
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara ranks #102 of 530 U.S. metro areas for computer programmer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $11,376 above the national average. The national average computer programmer salary is $95,436, while Santa Maria-Santa Barbara workers average $105,851 — a difference of +11% 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.