As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Java Applications Developer in the United States is $106,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Java Applications Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Java Applications Developer'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 a Java Applications Developer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Java Applications Developer | $102,651 |
| Intermediate Level Java Applications Developer | $102,955 |
| Senior Level Java Applications Developer | $106,642 |
| Specialist Level Java Applications Developer | $110,236 |
| Expert Level Java Applications Developer | $110,493 |
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 Java Applications Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Team Development | 2.34% |
| Agile | 3.41% |
| Business Requirements | 2.12% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Hard Working
|
$108,120 |
2%
|
|
Python
|
$108,120 |
2%
|
|
AWS
|
$107,060 |
1%
|
|
Microservices
|
$107,060 |
1%
|
|
Networking
|
$107,060 |
1%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$107,060 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Java Applications Developers enter the field with a Bachelor'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 a Java Applications Developer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $97,752 and $106,185).
Java Applications Developer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 2.7% |
| Associates | 3.4% |
| Bachelors | 60.1% |
| Masters | 31.8% |
| Doctorate | 1.3% |
Understanding how a Java Applications Developer'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 February 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Java Applications Developer, 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 III | $122,600 | 16% |
| Software Research and Design Architect III | $128,700 | 21% |
| Backend Applications Developer III | $125,200 | 18% |
| Full Stack Engineer Senior | $128,400 | 21% |
Salaries for a Java Applications Developer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $102,587 in 2023 to around $102,443 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Java Applications Developer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $102,587 |
| 2024 | $103,560 |
| 2025 | $102,443 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Employees as Java Applications Developers with around 10 years of experience typically earn between $89,200 and $118,800 annually. The average salary is approximately $105,300. The top earners in this field can exceed the average, reflecting their expertise and contributions to projects.
Java is relatively easy to learn, especially if you have prior experience with another programming language. However, if it's your first language, it may be a bit challenging. Beginners often struggle with Java's syntax. As a Java Applications Developer, you can expect a salary ranging from $89,200 to $118,800, with a midpoint of $105,300, reflecting the demand for skilled developers.
Java remains relevant in 2024, especially in the evolving AI landscape. New tools are enhancing its capabilities, making AI more accessible in Java applications. With a salary range for Java Applications Developers between $89,200 and $118,800, the demand for skilled professionals indicates that Java continues to be a valuable asset in the tech industry.
Yes, Java is considered a high-paying job. The salary range for Java Applications Developers typically spans from $89,200 to $118,800, with a mid-salary of $105,300. This is significantly higher than many other developer roles, reflecting the demand and expertise required in Java development.
It's important to know which programming languages pay the most in tech. The top 10 highest-paying languages in 2024 are Rust, Go, Scala, Kotlin, TypeScript, Swift, Ruby, Python, JavaScript, and Java. For Java Applications Developers, salaries range from $89,200 to $118,800, with a median of $105,300, offering great job opportunities and significant earning potential.
The job market for Java developers in the USA is robust and expanding, with opportunities across various industries. Developers skilled in Java and related technologies, such as Spring and microservices, are in high demand. They can expect competitive salaries, ranging from a minimum of $89,200 to a mid-level of $105,300, and up to $118,800 for experienced professionals.
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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