California Software Engineering Jobs: Growth Then Recent Decline
California's software developer employment grew from 189,110 in 2014 to a peak of 304,390 in 2023 — a remarkable 61% increase over that period. However, employment declined to 292,630 by 2024, representing a 4% drop from the peak.
Nationally, software developer jobs grew from 1,068,870 in 2014 to 1,656,880 in 2023, with a slight decline to 1,654,440 in 2024. California maintained approximately 17-18% of all U.S. software developer jobs throughout this period, though this share peaked in 2023 before declining.
California Software Developers: Annual Total Employment (OEWS, 2011–2024) — Peak in 2023
Updated 4 Apr 2026
The 2023-2024 Tech Downturn Hit California Hard
California's Computer Systems Design and Related Services sector shows even more dramatic trends, peaking at 357,600 jobs in July 2022, then declining to 327,400 by August 2025 — a loss of over 30,000 jobs (8.4% decline). This broader measure captures the tech industry layoffs that began in late 2022 and continued through 2024-2025.
California Computer Systems Design and Related Services Employment (Thousands), Jan 2014–Aug 2025
Updated 4 Apr 2026
Other Tech Hubs Are Growing Faster
While California remains the largest software employment hub, other states have seen stronger growth rates:
- Texas software developers increased from 83,860 in 2014 to 151,460 in 2024 — an 81% increase, outpacing California
- New York grew from 60,350 to 104,130 (73% growth)
- Washington grew from 58,670 to 91,470 (56% growth)
Texas in particular has emerged as a major competitor, nearly doubling its software developer workforce over the decade.
Software developer employment by state (Texas, New York, Washington), 2014–2024 — growth comparison
Updated 4 Apr 2026
California Still Commands Premium Wages
Despite the recent employment decline, California's median software developer wage increased from $117,700 in 2014 to $170,910 in 2024 (45% growth). This significantly outpaces the national median, which grew from $98,147 to $133,080 (36% growth) over the same period. California developers earn 28% more than the national median as of 2024.
Key Takeaways
The Golden Era (2014-2023): California experienced explosive growth in software jobs, adding over 115,000 positions and maintaining its dominant position as the nation's tech hub.
Recent Correction (2023-Present): The tech industry downturn hit California particularly hard, with job losses accelerating through 2024 and into 2025. The state lost approximately 4% of software developer positions from peak to 2024, with additional losses continuing through mid-2025.
Shifting Geography: Texas and other states are capturing an increasing share of software job growth, suggesting a gradual geographic diversification of the tech industry away from California's traditional dominance.
Data notes: OEWS data represents annual estimates updated in May each year. Data for 2019 and 2020 is not available at a granular level for Software Developers, which explains the gap in the annual series.
