Software Developer Salary in Modesto, CA — 2026 Guide
Estimated salaries are adjusted for Modesto's cost of living (index: 108). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.
Software Developer Salary in Modesto — Key Numbers
Cost of Living in Modesto
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 Modesto
Modesto has a metro population of 560,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 6.4% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.
Financial Calculators for Modesto
Other Professions in Modesto
Software Developer Salary — Other California Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Developer make in Modesto, CA?
The estimated median salary for a Software Developer in Modesto is $140,573 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $130,160 adjusted by Modesto's cost of living index (108). The typical salary range runs from $107,784 (25th percentile) to $182,056 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $225,310.
Is Modesto affordable for a Software Developer?
On a $140,573 annual salary, a Software Developer in Modesto would spend approximately 12.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,400/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Modesto relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $375,000 is 2.7× the annual salary.
How does a Software Developer's salary compare to Modesto's overall income?
Modesto's median household income is $62,800. A Software Developer earning the city-adjusted median of $140,573 earns 123.8% more than the typical Modesto household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.
Explore More Salary Data
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.