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Backend Applications Developer III Salary in the United States

How much does a Backend Applications Developer III make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Backend Applications Developer III in the United States is $125,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.

However, a Backend Applications Developer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $144,878
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $115,500 to $135,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $106,669

Key Factors That Influence Backend Applications Developer III Salaries

A Backend Applications Developer 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Backend Applications Developer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Backend Applications Developer 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:

  • Backend Applications Developer I (0-2 years): $81,983
  • Backend Applications Developer II (2-4 years): $104,785
  • Backend Applications Developer III (4-7 years): $125,127
  • Backend Applications Developer IV (7+ years): $145,423
  • Backend Applications Developer V (7-10 years): $172,518
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Backend Applications Developer I0-2 years$81,983
Backend Applications Developer II2-4 years$104,785
Backend Applications Developer III4-7 years$125,127
Backend Applications Developer IV7+ years$145,423
Backend Applications Developer V7-10 years$172,518

Top Paying Cities for Backend Applications Developer 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: $157,900
  • San Francisco: $156,100
  • Oakland: $152,900

Backend Applications Developer III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Backend Applications Developer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $139,916. While startup companies pay approximate $118,355.

Backend Applications Developer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $118,355
Growth Stage 51~500 $125,172
Established 501~5000 $135,107
Enterprise 5000+ $139,916

Backend Applications Developer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Backend Applications Developer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Backend Applications Developer positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Backend Applications Developer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Backend Applications Developer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$187,800$90.050%
Biotechnology$187,800$90.050%
Energy & Utilities$187,800$90.050%
Financial Services$187,800$90.050%
Pharmaceuticals$187,800$90.050%

Backend Applications Developer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Backend Applications Developer 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 September 01, 2026
$115,500
Average $125,200/year
$135,500
$9,625
Average $10,433/month
$11,292
$2,221
Average $2,408/week
$2,606
$56
Average $60/hour
$65
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $135,500 $11,292 $2,606 $65
Average $125,200 $10,433 $2,408 $60
25th Percentile $115,500 $9,625 $2,221 $56

Backend Applications Developer III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Backend Applications Developer 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.

Backend Applications Developer III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Application Programmer Analyst IV $143,700 15%
Software Research and Design Architect IV $145,710 16%
Backend Applications Developer IV $145,500 16%
Full Stack Engineer Specialist $145,500 16%

Most common benefits for Backend Applications Developer III

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

Common company salaries for Backend Applications Developer III

Here are companies hiring for Backend Applications Developer III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Backend Applications Developer III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Backend Applications Developer III?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Backend Applications Developer III roles, with salaries approximately 50% 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.)

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