As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an Applications Programmer III in the United States is $122,542 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, an Applications Programmer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI Onboarding
AI-Powered HR
An Applications Programmer 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 Applications Programmer 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Programmer I | 0-2 years | $72,918 |
| Applications Programmer II | 2-4 years | $95,251 |
| Applications Programmer III | 4-7 years | $122,542 |
| Applications Programmer IV | 7+ years | $143,588 |
| Applications Programmer V | 7-10 years | $166,854 |
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 Applications Programmer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.29% |
| Application Development | 2.96% |
| HTML | 1.79% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Python
|
$124,993 |
2%
|
|
Presentation
|
$124,993 |
2%
|
|
Agile
|
$123,767 |
1%
|
|
Software Development
|
$123,767 |
1%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$123,767 |
1%
|
|
Team Development
|
$123,767 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Applications Programmer 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 Applications Programmer III with a Associate's Degree is between $113,417 and $120,234).
Applications Programmer III Salaries by Degree Level
| 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 Applications Programmer 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 April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Applications Programmer 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Programmer IV | $143,588 | 17% |
| Software Architect IV | $145,668 | 19% |
| Backend Developer IV | $145,389 | 19% |
| Full Stack Developer IV | $145,389 | 19% |
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Applications Programmer III and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Applications Programmer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
An Applications Programmer III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Applications Programmer III is $154,562.
The highest pay for Applications Programmer III is $141,902.
The lowest pay for Applications Programmer III is $104,446.
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 generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
