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Applications Programmer I Salary in the United States

How much does an Applications Programmer I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Applications Programmer I in the United States is $72,916 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $83,897
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,941 to $78,664
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $65,322
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Applications Programmer I Salaries

An Applications Programmer 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.

How Experience Level Affects Applications Programmer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Applications Programmer 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:

  • Applications Programmer I (0-2 years): $72,916
  • Applications Programmer II (2-4 years): $95,213
  • Applications Programmer III (4-7 years): $122,530
  • Applications Programmer IV (7+ years): $143,608
  • Applications Programmer V (7-10 years): $166,905
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Applications Programmer I0-2 years$72,916
Applications Programmer II2-4 years$95,213
Applications Programmer III4-7 years$122,530
Applications Programmer IV7+ years$143,608
Applications Programmer V7-10 years$166,905
View as Graph

How Do Applications Programmer Is 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 Applications Programmer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $80,733.
  • California: $80,426.
  • Massachusetts: $79,354.

Top Paying Cities for Applications Programmer I

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: $91,969
  • San Francisco: $90,962
  • Oakland: $89,045

What Skills Can Increase an Applications Programmer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 6.43% 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 2.53% 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.
  • CSS (Mentioned in 1.7% Job Postings): Cascading Style Sheets is a style sheet language used for describing the presentation of a document written in a markup language such as HTML or XML. CSS is a cornerstone technology of the World Wide Web, alongside HTML and JavaScript.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 6.43%
Application Development 2.53%
CSS 1.7%
See More Skills

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 Applications Programmer I's salary.

  • Python: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Products and Services: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Java: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Python $79,478
9%
Products and Services $78,020
7%
Java $78,020
7%
Get Latest Data

Applications Programmer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Applications Programmer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,625. While startup companies pay approximate $69,053.

Applications Programmer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $69,053
Growth Stage 51~500 $73,032
Established 501~5000 $78,824
Enterprise 5000+ $81,625

Applications Programmer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Applications Programmer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Applications Programmer positions in Construction or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Applications Programmer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Applications Programmer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$98,437$47.035%
Financial Services$94,791$46.030%
Biotechnology$91,145$44.025%
Pharmaceuticals$87,499$42.020%
Energy & Utilities$83,853$40.015%

Applications Programmer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Applications Programmer 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 August 01, 2026
$68,941
Average $72,916/year
$78,664
$5,745
Average $6,076/month
$6,555
$1,326
Average $1,402/week
$1,513
$33
Average $35/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $78,664 $6,555 $1,513 $38
Average $72,916 $6,076 $1,402 $35
25th Percentile $68,941 $5,745 $1,326 $33

Applications Programmer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Applications Programmer I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Applications Programmer 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
Applications Programmer II $95,213 31%
Software Architect II $94,423 29%
Backend Developer II $104,785 44%
Full Stack Developer II $105,753 45%

Most common benefits for Applications Programmer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Applications Programmer I

Here are companies hiring for Applications Programmer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Applications Programmer I

1. Where can an Applications Programmer I earn the most?

An Applications Programmer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Applications Programmer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Applications Programmer I is $91,969.

2. What is the highest pay for Applications Programmer I?

The highest pay for Applications Programmer I is $83,897.

3. What is the lowest pay for Applications Programmer I?

The lowest pay for Applications Programmer I is $65,322.

4. What are the responsibilities of Applications Programmer I?

Performs coding, debugging, testing, configuration, and analysis to develop or modify application programs. Conducts detailed analysis of functional and technical requirements needed to create specifications. Utilizes programming, scripting, or database language to produce efficient code. Performs unit testing of applications. Produces application documentation, including process and data flow diagrams. Provides support for implementing, enhancing, integrating, and maintaining applications. May require a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a project leader or manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Applications Programmer I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Applications Programmer I roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.

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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