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Application Programmer Analyst III Salary in the United States

How much does an Application Programmer Analyst III make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Application Programmer Analyst III in the United States is $122,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.

However, an Application Programmer Analyst III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $141,896
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $113,100 to $132,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $104,451
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View as table View as graph 25% $113,100 10% $104,451 90% $141,896 75% $132,700 $122,600 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Application Programmer Analyst III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $132,700 $11,058 $2,552 $64
Average $122,600 $10,217 $2,358 $59
25th Percentile $113,100 $9,425 $2,175 $54
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Key Factors That Influence Application Programmer Analyst III Salaries

An Application Programmer Analyst III'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Application Programmer Analyst III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Application Programmer Analyst III'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): $119,481
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $119,764
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $120,899
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $125,615
  • Expert (over 8 years): $127,876
Levels Salary
Entry Level Application Programmer Analyst III$119,481
Intermediate Level Application Programmer Analyst III$119,764
Senior Level Application Programmer Analyst III$120,899
Specialist Level Application Programmer Analyst III$125,615
Expert Level Application Programmer Analyst III$127,876
$119,481 0 yr
$119,764 < 2 yrs
$120,899 2-4 yrs
$125,615 5-8 yrs
$127,876 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Application Programmer Analyst III 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 Application Programmer Analyst IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $135,700.
  • California: $135,200.
  • Massachusetts: $133,400.

Top Paying Cities for Application Programmer Analyst IIIs

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:

  • San Jose: $154,600
  • San Francisco: $153,100
  • Oakland: $149,700

What Skills Can Increase an Application Programmer Analyst III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 6.29% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Application Development (Mentioned in 2.96% Job Postings): Application development may refer to: Mobile application development ("app development") or the process of developing desktop application software. Mobile app development is the act or process by which a mobile app is developed for mobile devices, such as personal digital assistants, enterprise digital assistants or mobile phones. These applications can be pre-installed on phones during manufacturing platforms, or delivered as web applications using server-side or client-side processing (e.g., JavaScript) to provide an "application-like" experience within a Web browser.
  • HTML (Mentioned in 1.79% Job Postings): A computer language that used in creating, updating and maintaining text, graphics and links in a website.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 6.29%
Application Development 2.96%
HTML 1.79%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Application Programmer Analyst III's salary.
  • Python: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
  • Agile: Can increase your salary by up to 1%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Python
$125,052
2%
Presentation
$125,052
2%
Agile
$123,826
1%
Software Development
$123,826
1%
Collaboration
$123,826
1%
Team Development
$123,826
1%
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How Education impacts an Application Programmer Analyst III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Application Programmer Analyst IIIs enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Application Programmer Analyst III with a Associate's Degree is between $112,893 and $119,696).

Application Programmer Analyst III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Application Programmer Analyst III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.8%
High School 4.0%
Associates 10.1%
Bachelors 57.9%
Masters 25.3%
Doctorate 0.8%
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Application Programmer Analyst III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Application Programmer Analyst III'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 January 01, 2026

Application Programmer Analyst III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Application Programmer Analyst III, 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.

Application Programmer Analyst III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Application Programmer Analyst IV $143,600 17%
Software Research and Design Architect IV $145,650 19%
Backend Applications Developer IV $145,400 19%
Full Stack Engineer Specialist $145,400 19%

Salary Trends for Application Programmer Analyst III

Salaries for an Application Programmer Analyst III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $117,743 in 2023 to around $116,079 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Application Programmer Analyst III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Application Programmer Analyst III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$117,743
2024
$117,257
2025
$116,079
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $117,743
2024 $117,257
2025 $116,079
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Application Programmer Analyst III

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Application Programmer Analyst III

Here are companies hiring for Application Programmer Analyst III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Application Programmer Analyst III

1. What is the highest salary of programmer in USA?

The highest salary for an Application Programmer Analyst in the USA is $132,900. The median salary is $120,200, while the minimum salary starts at $107,700. This reflects a competitive salary range within the field, highlighting the potential for significant earnings based on experience and expertise.

2. How do I become an application analyst?

To become an application analyst, earn a bachelor's degree and complete an internship. Familiarize yourself with specific operating systems and create a portfolio showcasing your skills. Consider pursuing a master's degree for advanced opportunities. Prepare a strong resume and search for application analyst positions, which typically offer salaries ranging from $107,700 to $132,900. Follow up with companies after applying.

3. Does coding pay well in USA?

Yes, coding pays well in the USA. For an Application Programmer Analyst, salaries range from a minimum of $107,700 to a mid-level of $120,200, with a maximum salary reaching $132,900. This reflects the strong demand and value placed on coding skills in the job market.

4. What is the highest salary for support analyst?

The highest salary for an Application Programmer Analyst is $132,900. Salaries typically range from a minimum of $107,700 to a mid-level of $120,200, reflecting the varying experience and expertise within the role.

5. What is CFA Level 1 expected salary in USA?

In the U.S., salaries for CFA Level 1 holders can vary significantly. Based on the salary data for an Application Programmer Analyst, the expected salary range is approximately $107,700 to $132,900 annually. Entry-level positions in major financial hubs may offer salaries closer to the higher end of this range, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in finance.

6. What is the role of a program analyst 3?

The role of a Program Analyst 3 involves supervising a team of analysts and technical staff, providing technical and consultative services to program management, or overseeing a small Countywide health program. The salary range for this position is between $107,700 and $132,900, with a midpoint of $120,200.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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