As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Java Developer in the United States is $128,230 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, a Lead Java Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead Java 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 Lead Java 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 Lead Java Developer | $123,793 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Java Developer | $124,532 |
| Senior Level Lead Java Developer | $126,011 |
| Specialist Level Lead Java Developer | $131,388 |
| Expert Level Lead Java Developer | $134,231 |
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 Lead Java Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 3% |
| Docker | 3.36% |
| Prototyping | 1.8% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Data Privacy
|
$135,924 |
6%
|
|
Networking
|
$134,642 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$133,359 |
4%
|
|
Design Thinking
|
$130,795 |
2%
|
|
Digital Transformation
|
$130,795 |
2%
|
|
Project Planning
|
$130,795 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lead Java 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 Lead Java Developer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $115,388 and $123,924).
Lead Java Developer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 2.1% |
| Associates | 1.5% |
| Bachelors | 55.5% |
| Masters | 39.1% |
| Doctorate | 1.5% |
Understanding how a Lead Java 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 January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Lead Java 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 IV | $143,600 | 12% |
| Software Research and Design Architect IV | $145,650 | 14% |
| Backend Applications Developer IV | $145,400 | 13% |
| Full Stack Engineer Specialist | $145,400 | 13% |
Salaries for a Lead Java Developer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $117,743 in 2023 to around $115,927 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead Java Developer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $117,743 |
| 2024 | $117,167 |
| 2025 | $115,927 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Lead Java Developer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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As of now, a Lead Java Developer in the United States earns between $107,750 and $140,350 annually, with a median salary of $122,580. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field.
The best countries for Java developers include Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, Finland, the Netherlands, the USA, and Great Britain. In these countries, Lead Java Developers can expect salaries ranging from $107,750 to $140,350, with a median salary of $122,580, making them attractive destinations for skilled professionals in the field.
The highest salary for a Lead Java Developer in the US ranges from $107,750 to $140,350, with a mid-salary of $122,580. This positions Lead Java Developers among the top earners in the software engineering field, surpassing many roles such as Full Stack Developers and DevOps Engineers, whose average salaries are lower.
The highest-paid engineers in the USA include Lead Java Developers, with salaries ranging from $107,750 to $140,350 annually. The average salary for this role is approximately $122,580. Other top-paying engineering fields include Computer Engineering at $140,830 and IT Engineering at $132,930, reflecting the competitive nature of the tech industry.
The estimated total pay for a Lead Java Developer in the US ranges from $107,750 to $140,350 per year, with a mid-salary of $122,580. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data, providing a clear picture of compensation for this role.
A Java Technical Lead designs and recommends technical solutions for IT-related issues. Responsibilities include collaborating with developers to ensure quality deliverables, mentoring junior staff, and identifying issues affecting product delivery. The salary for this role typically ranges from $107,750 to $140,350, with a mid-point of $122,580.
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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