Technology San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

iOS Developer Salary in San Diego, California

The median ios developer salary in San Diego, CA is $188,400 per year, which is 57.0% above the national median and 2.6% above the California state average.

City Median
$188,400
vs State Avg
+$4,800
vs National
+$68,400
Cost of Living
142%

iOS Developer Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median ios developer salary of $188,400, which is $4,800 above the California state average of $183,600. Compared to the national median of $120,000, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $188,400 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $132,676. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for ios developers in San Diego spans from $113,040 at the 10th percentile to $290,450 at the 90th percentile — a $177,410 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $117,750, while senior ios developers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $274,750. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

iOS Developer Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level ios developer earns around $117,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $274,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$117,750
+$42,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$191,540
+$69,540 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$274,750
+$99,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $113,040
25th Percentile $149,150
Median (50th) $188,400
75th Percentile $238,640
90th Percentile $290,450

iOS Developer Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$236,400
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$219,600
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$193,200
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$159,600
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a iOS Developer in San Diego

Education

Most ios developer positions require a bachelor's degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SwiftSwiftUIXcodeREST APIsCore DataGit

Job Outlook

Nationally, ios developer employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find iOS Developer Jobs in San Diego

Browse open ios developer positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: iOS Developer Salary in San Diego

How much does a iOS Developer make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median ios developer salary in San Diego, California is $188,400 per year, which is 57.0% above the national median of $120,000. Salaries range from $113,040 (10th percentile) to $290,450 (90th percentile).
How much does a iOS Developer make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $188,400, a ios developer in San Diego earns approximately $91 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for ios developer pay? ▼
San Diego's median ios developer salary of $188,400 is 2.6% above the California state average of $183,600. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a ios developer salary of $188,400 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a ios developer in San Diego? ▼
Most ios developer positions in San Diego require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Swift, SwiftUI, Xcode, REST APIs. The job market is projected to grow 22% nationally over the next decade.