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Software Engineer Salary in Sacramento, CA

How much does a software engineer make in Sacramento? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Sacramento's cost of living.

Median Salary
$141,030
per year in Sacramento
Entry Level
$88,569
Starting salary
Senior Level
$190,765
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
141
41% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how software engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Sacramento.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$88,569$141,030$190,765
Monthly$7,381$11,753$15,897
Biweekly$3,407$5,424$7,337
Weekly$1,703$2,712$3,669
Hourly$43$68$92

Sacramento vs National Average

How Sacramento's software engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Sacramento Salary
$141,030
COL Index: 141
National Average
$112,110
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$28,920
Higher in Sacramento

Cost of Living in Sacramento

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,950
per month
Median Income
$63,456
per year
Population
525,453
residents
Rent % of Income
36.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 141 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Sacramento have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Software Engineer

Overview

Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Key Skills

JavaScriptPythonSystem DesignAlgorithms

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +25% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Software Engineer Salary

See Software Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$161,970
+15%
Los Angeles, CA
$155,330
+10%
Chicago, IL
$130,030
-8%
Houston, TX
$127,940
-9%
Phoenix, AZ
$129,600
-8%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a software engineer salary in Sacramento.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Software Engineer Salary in Sacramento, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a software engineer in Sacramento, CA is $141,030 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 141. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Sacramento's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level software engineer professionals in Sacramento can expect to earn around $88,569 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level software engineers earning approximately $190,765 per year. This represents a 115% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Sacramento's cost of living index of 141 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Sacramento are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,110, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a software engineer's salary in Sacramento typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,950 per month, housing represents about 16.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Software Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 25% over the next decade. In Sacramento, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.