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Software Developer Salary in Los Angeles, CA — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Los Angeles's cost of living (index: 173). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Software Developer Salary in Los Angeles — Key Numbers

$225,177
Median Salary
$172,654
25th Percentile
$291,626
75th Percentile
$360,913
90th Percentile
National median (Software Developer)$130,160
vs. National median+73.0%
Los Angeles median household income$76,000
vs. City household income+196.3%

Cost of Living in Los Angeles

Cost of Living Index
173(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$2,050/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio10.9%
Annual rent cost$24,600
Median Home Price$860,000
Home Price / Salary3.8×
20% Down Payment$172,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Los Angeles

5.3%
Unemployment Rate
13,200,000
Metro Population
32 min
Avg Commute
36.4
Median Age

Los Angeles has a metro population of 13,200,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 5.3% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Los Angeles

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Cost of Living — Los Angeles
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Software Developer Salary in California
Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Los Angeles

Physician$396,689Chief Executive Officer$363,300Dentist$303,632IT Manager$293,252Marketing Manager$272,683Lawyer$252,165

Software Developer Salary — Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA$278,542San Jose, CA$257,717San Diego, CA$212,161Riverside, CA$158,795Sacramento, CA$164,002

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Software Developer make in Los Angeles, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Software Developer in Los Angeles is $225,177 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $130,160 adjusted by Los Angeles's cost of living index (173). The typical salary range runs from $172,654 (25th percentile) to $291,626 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $360,913.

Is Los Angeles affordable for a Software Developer?

On a $225,177 annual salary, a Software Developer in Los Angeles would spend approximately 10.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($2,050/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Los Angeles relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $860,000 is 3.8× the annual salary.

How does a Software Developer's salary compare to Los Angeles's overall income?

Los Angeles's median household income is $76,000. A Software Developer earning the city-adjusted median of $225,177 earns 196.3% more than the typical Los Angeles household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Software Developer — NationalSoftware Developer in CaliforniaAll Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.