As of September 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:
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 |
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Application Programmer Analyst I | 0-2 years | $72,916 |
| Application Programmer Analyst II | 2-4 years | $95,204 |
| Application Programmer Analyst III | 4-7 years | $122,527 |
| Application Programmer Analyst IV | 7+ years | $143,613 |
| Application Programmer Analyst V | 7-10 years | $166,918 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.29% |
| Application Development | 2.96% |
| HTML | 1.79% |
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.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Python | $125,052 | |
| Presentation | $125,052 | |
| Agile | $123,826 |
Application Programmer Analyst III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $137,011. While startup companies pay approximate $115,897.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $115,897 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $122,573 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $132,301 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $137,011 |
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).
| 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% |
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.
| 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 |
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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Application Programmer Analyst IV | $143,700 | 17% |
| Software Research and Design Architect IV | $145,710 | 19% |
| Backend Applications Developer IV | $145,500 | 19% |
| Full Stack Engineer Specialist | $145,500 | 19% |
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, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $117,743 |
| 2024 | $117,257 |
| 2025 | $116,079 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Application Programmer Analyst III roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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