What the data says about software engineer pay in San Diego
Monthly take-home on that median is roughly US$11,300; local prices sit at COL 100, so its buying power is about US$163,300.
How San Diego compares with United States and CA
San Jose leads at US$213,110, 31% above San Diego, while San Antonio sits at US$128,430. The neighbours in the ranking are Boston and Los Angeles.
Across CA, the 4 observed metros average US$181,000; San Diego is 10% below that and 3rd in the state. The others: Los Angeles (US$160,920), San Jose (US$213,110) and San Francisco (US$186,640).
Is US$163,270 a good salary in San Diego?
With a COL index of 100, there is little difference between headline pay and price-adjusted pay (US$163,300).
Cash rank and buying-power rank match for San Diego: 6th of 21.
Take-home on the median comes to roughly US$11,300 monthly (17% effective tax in our simplified model). Rent for a modeled 1-bedroom is 15% of it, and the single-adult budget ends about US$7,780 in the black.
San Diego vs nearby CA metros
In Los Angeles — also in CA — the median is US$160,920 (-1% vs San Diego), and the modeled budget leaves US$150 less each month.
A software engineer moving from San Diego to San Jose (also in CA) would see the median rise 31% to US$213,110, with US$3,150 more left over monthly in our model.
A software engineer moving from San Diego to New York (similar cost level, COL 100) would see the median rise 2% to US$166,830, with US$230 more left over monthly in our model.
Where Software Engineer ranks among San Diego jobs
Lawyer is the best-paid tracked role in San Diego at US$178,220; software engineer comes 2nd of 9.
Closest neighbours in the San Diego list: Registered Nurse at US$139,520 (-15%).
Entry-level vs senior software engineer pay in San Diego
Top earners do comparatively well in San Diego — 5th of 21 at the 90th percentile — while entry-level pay ranks 10th.
For the top 10% of earners, San Jose leads with US$289,150 at the 90th percentile, +30% against San Diego.
The software engineer pay range in San Diego
The 90th percentile (US$223,260) is 2.3× the 10th (US$95,420), a wide band that usually reflects different seniority levels and employer types under one title.