As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Application Programmer Analyst I in the United States is $73,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, an Application Programmer Analyst I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Application Programmer Analyst I'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Application Programmer Analyst I'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Application Programmer Analyst I | 0-2 years | $72,918 |
| Application Programmer Analyst II | 2-4 years | $95,242 |
| Application Programmer Analyst III | 4-7 years | $122,539 |
| Application Programmer Analyst IV | 7+ years | $143,593 |
| Application Programmer Analyst V | 7-10 years | $166,866 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Application Programmer Analyst Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.43% |
| Application Development | 2.53% |
| CSS | 1.7% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Python
|
$79,570 |
9%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$78,110 |
7%
|
|
Java
|
$78,110 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$77,380 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$77,380 |
6%
|
|
Agile
|
$77,380 |
6%
|
Understanding how an Application Programmer Analyst I'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.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Application Programmer Analyst I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Application Programmer Analyst II | $95,300 | 31% |
| Software Research and Design Architect II | $94,500 | 29% |
| Backend Applications Developer II | $104,800 | 44% |
| Full Stack Engineer Intermediate | $105,800 | 45% |
Salaries for an Application Programmer Analyst I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $78,255 in 2023 to around $77,573 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Application Programmer Analyst I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $78,255 |
| 2024 | $78,052 |
| 2025 | $77,573 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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