Software Engineer Salary in Sacramento 2026

Quick Answer

Software Engineer Salary in Sacramento: Overview

Sacramento’s software engineering market reflects the region’s growing tech sector, anchored by state government IT needs, healthcare technology, and an expanding startup ecosystem. The $149,340 annual mean salary positions Sacramento competitively within California’s tech labor market, though below the peaks seen in San Francisco and San Jose.

This salary figure comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, which collects wage data from employers across the Sacramento MSA. The data represents a snapshot of the market as employers reported it in 2024; actual individual compensation varies significantly based on experience, education, company size, and specialization.

Experience-Based Salary Breakdown

While the provided dataset contains the annual mean salary, BLS percentile breakdowns are not available in the current data. However, industry standards suggest:

• Entry-level positions (0-2 years): Typically 60-70% of the mean, or approximately $89,604–$104,538
• Mid-level positions (3-7 years): Near or at the mean, around $140,000–$160,000
• Senior/Lead positions (8+ years): 120-140% of the mean, or approximately $179,208–$209,076

These estimates reflect national software engineering salary patterns; Sacramento-specific percentile data was not available in the current dataset.

Cost of Living Context

Sacramento’s cost of living is significantly lower than other major California tech hubs, which amplifies the purchasing power of a $149,340 salary. While specific rent and housing data for Sacramento was not included in the current dataset, the city is known for:

• More affordable housing than San Francisco, San Jose, or Los Angeles
• Lower tax burden compared to coastal California metros (though California state income tax remains 9.3% at this income level)
• Reasonable commute times within the metro area, including nearby tech hubs like Roseville, Folsom, Elk Grove, and Rocklin

A software engineer earning $149,340 in Sacramento retains significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco or the Bay Area, where cost of living is 40–60% higher.

Salary Trend Over Time

The most recent BLS data point available is 2024: $149,340. Historical trend data for prior years was not included in the current dataset. To assess whether Sacramento software engineering salaries are rising, falling, or stable, you would need to compare this figure to 2023 and 2022 BLS OEWS reports, which are available directly from the BLS website.

The Sacramento region has experienced steady growth in tech employment over the past five years, driven by:

• State government digital transformation initiatives
• Healthcare IT expansion (UC Davis Medical Center, Sutter Health)
• Startup ecosystem growth in downtown Sacramento
• Remote work expansion allowing Bay Area companies to hire in Sacramento

Top Employers for Software Engineers in Sacramento

Specific H-1B visa and employer salary data was not available in the current dataset. However, major employers in the Sacramento area known to hire software engineers include:

• State of California (Department of Technology, Health Services)
• UC Davis (research and academic computing)
• Sutter Health (healthcare IT systems)
• Kaiser Permanente (Northern California operations)
• Local tech startups and consulting firms

For current employer-specific salary data, consult the Department of Labor’s H-1B Labor Condition Application (LCA) disclosure database, which shows prevailing wages by employer and job title.

Nearby Cities in the Sacramento Metro

The Sacramento MSA includes several notable cities where software engineers work:

• Roseville: Suburban tech hub, slightly higher cost of living, similar or slightly higher salaries
• Folsom: Home to Intel operations and tech companies; competitive salary market
• Elk Grove: Rapidly growing suburb, lower cost of living
• Rocklin: Northern metro area, emerging tech presence

Salaries across these cities are likely similar to Sacramento proper, though cost of living varies. Folsom, with its Intel presence, may command slightly higher software engineering salaries.

Job Outlook

The software engineering field nationwide remains in strong demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects software developer roles (SOC 15-1252) to grow steadily through 2033. Sacramento’s job outlook is particularly strong due to:

• Government sector growth: California’s continued digital transformation
• Healthcare tech expansion: Aging population driving healthcare IT investment
• Startup ecosystem: Sacramento ranked among fastest-growing startup hubs in the West
• Remote work: Ability to work for Bay Area and national companies while living in Sacramento

Typical education for software engineer positions includes a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field, though many employers accept equivalent professional experience.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for a software engineer in Sacramento?

Entry-level software engineers in Sacramento typically earn 60–70% of the mean salary, or approximately $89,600–$104,500 per year. This assumes a bachelor’s degree and minimal professional experience. Actual starting offers vary based on the employer’s size, whether the role requires security clearance (common in government), and the specific technology stack required.

How does software engineer salary in Sacramento compare to the national average?

The national average for software engineers is typically in the $120,000–$135,000 range (national BLS data). Sacramento’s mean of $149,340 is above the national average, reflecting California’s higher cost of living and the state’s strong demand for tech talent. However, Sacramento salaries are significantly lower than San Francisco Bay Area averages, which exceed $180,000 for the same role.

Is it worth moving to Sacramento for a software engineer position?

Moving to Sacramento can be financially advantageous if you’re relocating from a lower cost-of-living region or if you’re currently in the Bay Area. The $149,340 salary provides strong purchasing power in Sacramento’s housing and rental markets compared to San Francisco or San Jose. However, if you’re relocating from a lower-cost region (e.g., Austin, Denver, or the Midwest), you may find Sacramento’s cost of living higher than your current location, even though it’s lower than coastal California. Consider the specific company, role, and your current location before deciding.

What skills command the highest software engineer salaries in Sacramento?

While Sacramento-specific skill data wasn’t available in this dataset, nationally, software engineers with expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), machine learning, cybersecurity, and DevOps command 15–25% premiums over generalist roles. Government and healthcare positions in Sacramento often value security clearance eligibility and experience with legacy systems modernization.

Do software engineers in Sacramento receive remote work options?

Remote work adoption in Sacramento is high, especially post-2020. State government agencies, UC Davis, and private tech companies increasingly offer hybrid or fully remote arrangements. This flexibility allows Sacramento-based engineers to work for higher-paying Bay Area companies while enjoying Sacramento’s lower cost of living.

What benefits should I negotiate beyond base salary?

Beyond base salary, software engineers in Sacramento should negotiate for:

• Health insurance: Especially important in California due to high healthcare costs
• Stock options or equity: Common at startups and tech companies
• Professional development budget: $1,000–$2,500 annually
• Remote work flexibility: Critical for quality of life
• Relocation assistance: If moving to Sacramento for the role

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Data Sources & Methodology

This article is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 (the most recent available). BLS data is collected from a representative sample of employers and represents the most authoritative public source for occupational wage statistics.

• SOC Code: 15-1252 (Software Developers)
• MSA Code: 40900 (Sacramento, CA)
• Data Fetched: April 10, 2026
• Latest BLS Survey Year: 2024

Important Disclaimer: Salary figures presented here are based on public government data and represent averages. Actual compensation varies significantly based on individual qualifications, company size, industry, and negotiation. This content is informational only and should not be considered financial or career advice. Consult with a career advisor or recruiter for personalized guidance. Salary data may lag current market conditions by 12–24 months.