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Cognitive Developer Salary in California

How much does a Cognitive Developer make in California? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cognitive Developer in California is $109,397 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.

However, a Cognitive Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $130,808
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $98,195 to $120,604
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $87,995
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Cognitive Developer Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Cognitive Developer Salaries

A Cognitive Developer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Cognitive Developer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Cognitive Developer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $74,537
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $91,723
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $107,062
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $123,497
  • Expert (over 8 years): $164,353
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Curriculum Specialist I less than 1 year $74,537
Curriculum Specialist II 1-2 years $91,723
Cognitive Developer 2-4 years $107,062
Curriculum Specialist IV 5-8 years $123,497
Curriculum Specialist V over 8 years $164,353

How Do Cognitive Developer Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cognitive Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $109,814.
  • California: $109,397.
  • Massachusetts: $107,939.

Top Paying Cities for Cognitive Developer

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $109,586
  • West Hollywood: $109,506
  • Dodgertown: $109,585

Cognitive Developer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Cognitive Developer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Cognitive Developer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cognitive Developer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Cognitive Developer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals $129,089 $62.0 18%
Internet $124,713 $60.0 14%
Aerospace & Defense $122,525 $59.0 12%
Energy & Utilities $120,337 $58.0 10%
Financial Services $120,337 $58.0 10%

Cognitive Developer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cognitive Developer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$98,195
Average $109,397/year
$120,604
$8,183
Average $9,116/month
$10,050
$1,888
Average $2,104/week
$2,319
$47
Average $53/hour
$58
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $120,604 $10,050 $2,319 $58
Average $109,397 $9,116 $2,104 $53
25th Percentile $98,195 $8,183 $1,888 $47

Find Your Next Cognitive Developer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cognitive Developer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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