Software Developer Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Designs, builds, and maintains software applications across web, mobile, and systems domains.
Santa Cruz-Watsonville ranks #21 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software developer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $20,939 above the national average.
Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $96,221 | $75,282 | +$20,939 | +27.8% |
| Level II | $121,701 | $96,293 | +$25,408 | +26.4% |
| Level III (Mid) | $147,181 | $117,303 | +$29,878 | +25.5% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $172,661 | $138,313 | +$34,348 | +24.8% |
Other metros in California
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $149,365 | $264,514 | $226,512 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $135,699 | $213,512 | $187,845 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $97,989 | $213,179 | $175,178 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $106,621 | $187,678 | $160,930 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $102,794 | $184,974 | $157,851 |
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What is the average software developer salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The average software developer salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $147,430 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Santa Cruz-Watsonville at rank #21 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level software developers earn in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
Entry-level software developers (Level I) in Santa Cruz-Watsonville earn $96,221 per year. Level II (early career) earns $121,701, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Santa Cruz-Watsonville compare to the national average for software developer salaries?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville ranks #21 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software developer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $20,939 above the national average. The national average software developer salary is $117,513, while Santa Cruz-Watsonville workers average $147,430 — a difference of +25% 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: 15-1252.