As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead UI Programmer in Costa Mesa, CA is $148,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.
However, a Lead UI Programmer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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, skills, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry UI Programmer | 0-2 years | $80,635 |
| Intermediate UI Programmer | 2-4 years | $101,594 |
| Senior UI Programmer | 4-7 years | $118,496 |
| Lead UI Programmer | 7+ years | $148,642 |
| Expert UI Programmer | 7-10 years | $177,959 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 2.16% |
| User Interface | 2.56% |
| Scrum | 2.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Research and Development
|
$165,057 |
11%
|
|
Creativity
|
$163,570 |
10%
|
|
Commitment
|
$162,083 |
9%
|
|
DevOps
|
$160,596 |
8%
|
|
Docker
|
$160,596 |
8%
|
|
Time Management
|
$159,109 |
7%
|
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 $166,178. While startup companies pay approximate $140,570.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $140,570 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $148,667 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $160,467 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $166,178 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $185,875 | $89.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $185,875 | $89.0 | 25% |
| Healthcare | $171,005 | $82.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $171,005 | $82.0 | 15% |
| Telecom | $171,005 | $82.0 | 15% |
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 September 01, 2026For 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 $178,000 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead UI Programmer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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