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Augmented Reality Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

We are seeking a motivated Optical Engineer to join our Augmented Reality (AR) hardware team and take a key role in the design, simulation, prototyping, and testing of advanced optical systems for ...

Senior Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$200K - $275K/yr

We are seeking a motivated Senior Optical Engineer to join our Augmented Reality (AR) hardware team and take a key role in the design, simulation, prototyping, and testing of advanced optical systems ...

Join the engineering team that fuses multimodal input to enable seamless interactions on human ... for Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR) (ex. ARKit) Experience with Objective-C and/or ...

Specs Inc. also provides Lens Studio, a full suite of advanced developer tools that powers immersive augmented reality experiences across Specs, Snapchat, and other services. This team of Software ...

Specs Inc. also provides Lens Studio, a full suite of advanced developer tools that powers immersive augmented reality experiences across Specs, Snapchat, and other services. This team of Software ...

Specs Inc. also provides Lens Studio, a full suite of advanced developer tools that powers immersive augmented reality experiences across Specs, Snapchat, and other services. This team of Software ...

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Augmented Reality Developer information

See California salary details

$10

$53

$76

How much do augmented reality developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for augmented reality developer in California is $53.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.82 and $61.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What tech jobs pay 400,000 a year?

Augmented Reality Developers with extensive experience, specialized skills in 3D modeling, programming languages like C# and C++, and knowledge of AR platforms can reach salaries around $400,000 annually, especially in senior or lead roles. High compensation often correlates with working in large tech companies, leading innovative projects, or holding executive-level positions in AR and related fields.

How much do AR developers make?

Augmented Reality (AR) developers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Senior developers with expertise in tools like Unity or Unreal Engine and knowledge of 3D modeling tend to earn higher salaries. Entry-level AR developers may start with lower wages, often around $60,000 per year.

What are some common challenges Augmented Reality Developers face in their daily work?

Augmented Reality Developers often encounter challenges such as optimizing AR applications for various devices with different hardware capabilities, ensuring smooth real-time rendering, and addressing issues with user interaction and spatial tracking. Staying up to date with rapidly evolving AR technology and platforms, as well as debugging complex issues that can arise from integrating 3D assets and sensor data, is also common. Collaboration with designers, artists, and UX specialists is frequent, requiring effective communication to transform creative visions into technically feasible solutions. Overcoming these challenges is a key part of creating immersive and user-friendly AR experiences.

What is an Augmented Reality Developer job?

An Augmented Reality (AR) Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing AR experiences using technologies like ARKit, ARCore, and Unity. They create interactive digital overlays that enhance the real-world environment for applications in gaming, education, retail, and more. AR Developers work with 3D modeling, computer vision, and programming languages like C# or JavaScript. Their role involves optimizing AR applications for performance, usability, and cross-platform compatibility.

Are VR and AR dead?

As an Augmented Reality Developer, the fields of VR and AR are actively evolving with ongoing investments and technological advancements. Both technologies are increasingly integrated into industries like gaming, training, and healthcare, indicating continued growth rather than obsolescence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Augmented Reality Developer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Augmented Reality Developer, you need strong programming skills (C#, C++, or JavaScript), a solid grasp of 3D modeling concepts, and experience with AR platforms like ARKit, ARCore, or Unity3D, often supported by a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Proficiency in using development environments such as Unity or Unreal Engine and familiarity with mobile app deployment are essential, with certifications in AR development offering a competitive edge. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are important soft skills for turning ideas into interactive AR experiences and working within multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are crucial for delivering engaging, functional AR applications that integrate seamlessly with both user needs and technological advancements.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, roles such as senior media executives, broadcast directors, and digital content managers can earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience and advanced skills. High-paying positions often require strong leadership, strategic planning, and proficiency with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite or media management platforms.
What are the most commonly searched types of Augmented Reality Developer jobs in California? The most popular types of Augmented Reality Developer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Augmented Reality Developer jobs in California? For Augmented Reality Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Augmented Reality Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Augmented Reality Developer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Augmented Reality Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Augmented Reality Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Augmented Reality Developer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,817 per year, or $53.3 per hour.
Software Engineer, Spectacles C++, Level 4

Software Engineer, Spectacles C++, Level 4

Snapchat

Palo Alto, CA โ€ข On-site

$157K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Snap Inc is a technology company. We believe the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. Snap contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together.


The Company operates Snapchat, a visual messaging app that enhances your relationships with friends, family, and the world, and Specs Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary dedicated to making computing more human, in addition to Bitmoji, Saturn, and other digital services.


Specs Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Snap Inc. dedicated to making computing more human. The company develops Specs, advanced eyewear that seamlessly integrates digital experiences into the physical world.

Specs feature see-through lenses that place digital objects directly into three-dimensional space, powered by Snap OS, a proprietary, context-aware operating system designed for natural interaction with your hands and voice.

Specs Inc. also provides Lens Studio, a full suite of advanced developer tools that powers immersive augmented reality experiences across Specs, Snapchat, and other services.

We're looking for an Augmented Reality Software Engineer to join the Specs team!

What you'll do:

  • Design, improve, and support reusable components, interactions, frameworks and SDKs that enable immersive experiences on Snap Spectacles Augmented Reality Glasses

  • Develop components of the operating system powering Spectacles, SnapOS

  • Participate in code and design reviews

  • Interact with design, interactive engineering, and product teams to shape and launch products

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Experience in one or more object oriented languages like C++, Kotlin or Java

  • Experience in delivering top quality, performant and scalable code with extensive unit / functional testing

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with high attention to detail

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, related degree or equivalent practical experience

  • 2+ years of post-Bachelor's software development experience; or Master's degree in a technical field + 1+ year of post-grad software development experience; or PhD in a relevant technical field

  • Industry C++ development experience

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of experience building and shipping high performance code

  • Experience with operating systems, resource-constrained devices and 3d graphics

  • Practice designing SDKs, APIs and Platforms

If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please don't be shy and provide us some information.

"Default Together" Policy at Snap: At Snap Inc. we believe that being together in person helps us build our culture faster, reinforce our values, and serve our community, customers and partners better through dynamic collaboration. To reflect this, we practice a "default together" approach and expect our team members to work in an office 4+ days per week.

At Snap, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to create innovative products that improve the way people live and communicate. Snap is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE, including disability/vets.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law (by example, the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, where applicable).

Our Benefits: Snap Inc. is its own community, so we've got your back! We do our best to make sure you and your loved ones have everything you need to be happy and healthy, on your own terms. Our benefits are built around your needs and include paid parental leave, comprehensive medical coverage, emotional and mental health support programs, and compensation packages that let you share in Snap's long-term success!

Compensation

In the United States, work locations are assigned a pay zone which determines the salary range for the position. The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. The starting pay may be negotiable within the salary range for the position. These pay zones may be modified in the future.

Zone A (CA, WA, NYC):

The base salary range for this position is $157,000-$235,000 annually.


Zone B:

The base salary range for this position is $149,000-$223,000 annually.

Zone C:

The base salary range for this position is $133,000-$200,000 annually.This position is eligible for equity in the form of RSUs.