Software Engineer job market in California (2026)
The Software Engineer job market in California is moderately active, with 167 open positions across 15+ employers. Hiring momentum is steady, with 122 new listings in the past month and 20 in the last week alone.
What can you expect to earn?
The median salary for Software Engineer roles in California is $165,000, with most positions paying between $140,250 and $193,930. Top performers can earn $216,644 or more at the 90th percentile. For higher compensation, consider Jersey City, NJ where the median is $300,000.
Skills that employers want
Analysis of job descriptions in California shows the most requested skills are Python, Java, Git, Node.js, JavaScript, and TypeScript. Including these keywords in your resume can significantly improve your ATS match rate. Our Software Engineer resume example shows how to integrate these naturally.
Who's hiring?
The most active employers for Software Engineer positions in California include Nuro, Aurora, Rivian, Waymo, and Applied Intuition. Use JobsChat AI to filter by specific companies or discover employers that match your preferences.
Remote & flexible work
2% of Software Engineer jobs in California offer remote or hybrid work (4 positions). This role is predominantly on-site, though some employers are beginning to offer hybrid options.
Ready to apply?
Start with our Software Engineer resume example. Pair it with a tailored cover letter. Then use JobsChat AI to search all 167 positions and generate application materials in minutes. Browse Software Engineer jobs in other cities or explore all jobs in California.