A semiconductor laser element comprising: a clad layer of a first conductivity type; an active layer; a first clad layer of a second conductivity type; a ridge made of a second clad layer of the second conductivity type and a cap layer of the second conductivity type, which are layered on the first clad layer of the second conductivity type, in this order starting from the first clad layer side; a dielectric film formed on ridge sides other than a top portion of the ridge; and a metal electrode layer that covers the ridge, wherein the width of the bottom of the cap layer and the width of the top surface of the second clad layer are approximately equal.