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Lead UI Programmer Salary in the United States

How much does a Lead UI Programmer make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead UI Programmer in the United States is $135,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.

However, a Lead UI Programmer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $158,234
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $125,600 to $147,400
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $116,587
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Lead UI Programmer Salaries

A Lead UI Programmer'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 Lead UI Programmer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Lead UI Programmer'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:

  • Entry UI Programmer (0-2 years): $73,489
  • Intermediate UI Programmer (2-4 years): $92,581
  • Senior UI Programmer (4-7 years): $107,983
  • Lead UI Programmer (7+ years): $135,469
  • Expert UI Programmer (7-10 years): $162,194
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry UI Programmer0-2 years$73,489
Intermediate UI Programmer2-4 years$92,581
Senior UI Programmer4-7 years$107,983
Lead UI Programmer7+ years$135,469
Expert UI Programmer7-10 years$162,194
View as Graph

How Do Lead UI Programmer 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 Lead UI Programmers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $150,000.
  • California: $149,500.
  • Massachusetts: $147,500.

Top Paying Cities for Lead UI Programmers

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: $170,900
  • San Francisco: $169,000
  • Oakland: $165,500

What Skills Can Increase a Lead UI Programmer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Problem Solving (Mentioned in 2.16% Job Postings): Analyzing and identifying the root cause of problems and applying critical thinking skills to solve problems.
  • User Interface (Mentioned in 2.56% Job Postings): The user interface (UI) is the point of human-computer interaction and communication in a device. This can include display screens, keyboards, a mouse and the appearance of a desktop.
  • Scrum (Mentioned in 2.03% Job Postings): Using an agile process for managing the lifecycle development of software products.
Skills Demand Percentage
Problem Solving 2.16%
User Interface 2.56%
Scrum 2.03%
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 a Lead UI Programmer's salary.

  • Research and Development: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Creativity: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Research and Development $150,405
11%
Creativity $149,050
10%
Commitment $147,695
9%
Get Latest Data

Lead UI Programmer Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Lead UI Programmer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $151,272. While startup companies pay approximate $128,089.

Lead UI Programmer Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $128,089
Growth Stage 51~500 $135,438
Established 501~5000 $146,065
Enterprise 5000+ $151,272

Lead UI Programmer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Lead UI Programmer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Lead UI Programmer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead UI Programmer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Lead UI Programmer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$169,375$81.025%
Software & Networking$169,375$81.025%
Healthcare$155,825$75.015%
Internet$155,825$75.015%
Telecom$155,825$75.015%

Lead UI Programmer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Lead UI Programmer'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 October 01, 2026
$125,600
Average $135,500/year
$147,400
$10,467
Average $11,292/month
$12,283
$2,415
Average $2,606/week
$2,835
$60
Average $65/hour
$71
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $147,400 $12,283 $2,835 $71
Average $135,500 $11,292 $2,606 $65
25th Percentile $125,600 $10,467 $2,415 $60

Lead UI Programmer Salary Growth & Career Path

Lead UI Programmer

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Advancement

For a Lead UI Programmer, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Expert UI Programmer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $162,200 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Lead UI Programmer

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

Common company salaries for Lead UI Programmer

Here are companies hiring for Lead UI Programmer and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Lead UI Programmer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Lead UI Programmer?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Lead UI Programmer roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. Who earns more UI or UX designers?

Your earning potential as a UI designer can be quite competitive. For instance, a Lead UI Programmer can expect a salary ranging from $131,700 to $150,500, with a midpoint of $141,200. In comparison, UX designers may earn less, depending on their experience and location. Thus, Lead UI Programmers generally have higher earning potential than many UX designers.

3. How much does a ui developer earn in USA?

The estimated total pay for a Lead UI Programmer in the USA ranges from $131,700 to $150,500 per year, with a mid-salary of $141,200. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data, providing a clear picture of potential earnings in this role.

4. Are UI developers in demand?

UI developers are indeed in demand, with a steady job growth outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3% annual growth for UI/UX designers through 2028. As for compensation, Lead UI Programmers can expect salaries ranging from $131,700 to $150,500, with a median salary of $141,200, reflecting the value of their skills in the job market.

5. Can a UX designer make 300K?

While a UX designer can potentially earn up to $300K, the salary range typically falls between $45K and $300K. For a Lead UI Programmer, the salary data shows a minimum of $131,700, a mid-range of $141,200, and a maximum of $150,500. This indicates that while high earnings are possible, they are not the norm for all positions in the field.

6. Is ui ux in demand in USA?

The demand for UI/UX professionals in the USA is strong and projected to grow. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a 4.7% growth rate, with a 23% increase in employment for digital designers from 2021 to 2031. Lead UI Programmers can expect salaries ranging from $131,700 to $150,500, reflecting the high demand for their skills in the industry.

7. What is the salary of UX lead manager?

According to our salary data, the annual salary for a Lead UI Programmer ranges from £131,700 to £150,500, with a midpoint of £141,200. This reflects the competitive compensation for skilled professionals in this role.

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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