Software developer salary in California after taxes
The median software developer in California earns $174,410 a year ($83.85 an hour). After 2026 taxes, that's about $115,035 a year, or $4,424.43 every two weeks.
Take-home pay at each pay level
| Pay level | Gross / year | Take-home / year | Per month | Every 2 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $105,060 | $75,296 | $6,275 | $2,895.99 |
| 25th percentile | $136,990 | $93,773 | $7,814 | $3,606.66 |
| Median | $174,410 | $115,035 | $9,586 | $4,424.43 |
| 75th percentile | $216,670 | $140,892 | $11,741 | $5,418.92 |
| 90th percentile | $272,670 | $171,285 | $14,274 | $6,587.89 |
The 10th percentile means 10% of software developers in California earn less than this. New hires usually start near the 10th–25th percentile.
Your exact paycheck
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Software developer take-home pay in other states
California ranks #3 of 19 of the states we cover for median software developer take-home pay.
| State | Median gross | Take-home / year |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $166,540 | $122,786 |
| Massachusetts | $165,210 | $115,487 |
| California | $174,410 | $115,035 |
| New York | $166,180 | $114,662 |
| New Hampshire | $139,720 | $106,765 |
| Texas | $132,150 | $101,591 |
| Florida | $130,980 | $100,791 |
| Nevada | $128,810 | $99,308 |
| North Carolina | $134,710 | $98,348 |
| Virginia | $136,460 | $97,504 |
| New Jersey | $135,940 | $96,294 |
| Illinois | $132,110 | $95,169 |
| Georgia | $131,010 | $95,022 |
| Tennessee | $122,430 | $94,947 |
| Pennsylvania | $126,550 | $93,878 |
| Michigan | $125,570 | $92,007 |
| Wyoming | $115,170 | $89,852 |
| Ohio | $114,090 | $86,007 |
| South Dakota | $96,310 | $76,584 |
Questions
How much does a software developer make in California after taxes?
The median software developer in California earns $174,410 a year ($83.85 an hour) before tax, according to BLS data for May 2025. After 2026 federal and state taxes that's about $115,035 a year, $9,586 a month or $4,424.43 every two weeks for a single filer with no pre-tax deductions.
How many software developers work in California?
About 284,390, according to the BLS May 2025 estimates.
Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, statewide, all industries. BLS wages include tips and commissions, not overtime premiums or benefits. Take-home uses 2026 tax rules for a single filer paid every two weeks with W-4 defaults and no pre-tax deductions.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (state data)
- IRS Publication 15-T (2026), Worksheet 1A and Annual Percentage Method tables
- SSA: 2026 Social Security wage base ($184,500)
- California EDD, 2026 Withholding Schedules, Method B (exact calculation)
- California EDD: SDI withholding rate (1.3% in 2026, no wage cap)
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