As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Applications Programmer I in California is $80,431 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, an Applications Programmer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Applications Programmer I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $86,775 | $7,231 | $1,669 | $42 |
| Average | $80,431 | $6,703 | $1,547 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,993 | $6,333 | $1,461 | $37 |
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An Applications Programmer I'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Applications Programmer I'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 Applications Programmer I | $80,100 |
| Intermediate Level Applications Programmer I | $80,620 |
| Senior Level Applications Programmer I | $82,041 |
| Specialist Level Applications Programmer I | $82,325 |
| Expert Level Applications Programmer I | $82,514 |
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 Applications Programmer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Understanding how an Applications Programmer I'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $86,775 | $7,231 | $1,669 | $42 |
| Average | $80,431 | $6,703 | $1,547 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,993 | $6,333 | $1,461 | $37 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Applications Programmer I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Programmer II | $105,092 | 31% |
| Software Architect II | $104,227 | 30% |
| Backend Developer II | $115,578 | 44% |
| Full Stack Developer II | $116,638 | 45% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Applications Programmer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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