TechnologyUpdated Q1 2025

Embedded Systems Engineer Salary
in San Jose, CA

Develop software for embedded hardware systems in IoT, automotive, and industrial applications. Median salary in San Jose: $112K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$112K
per year
Take-home: $68K

Salary range in San Jose

Entry level (25th)$85,000
Median (50th)$112,000
Senior (75th)$142,000
Top earner (90th)$178,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in San Jose, California.

Key facts for San Jose

Median salary
$112K
annual
Take-home pay
$68K
after fed/state tax
COL index
210
100 = US avg
State income tax
9.3%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$3,200
per month
YoY growth
+3.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: San Jose Embedded Systems Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $112K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — San Jose

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Embedded Systems Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$94K$102K$111K$119K$127K201920212023202520272029
2026
$115K
projected
2027
$118K
projected
2028
$121K
projected
2029
$124K
projected
2030
$127K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$112,000+$0
2028 projected$112,000+$0
2029 projected$112,000+$0
2030 projected$112,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Embedded Systems Engineer Salary in San Jose, California: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Embedded Systems Engineer salary in San Jose, CA is $112,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the San Jose–CA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Embedded Systems Engineer in San Jose

Entry-level Embedded Systems Engineers in San Jose with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $85,000 and $112,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $112,000 to $142,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $142,000 to $178,000 or more.

Cost of living in San Jose for Embedded Systems Engineers

San Jose has a cost of living index of 210 compared to the US national average of 100. San Jose's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. California has a 9.3% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Embedded Systems Engineer

Bachelor's in EE or CS. 30% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Embedded Systems Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
San Jose (current)$112K210
Los Angeles—163
San Diego—148
San Francisco—224
Fresno—102
Sacramento—128