Applications Programming Director Salary in the United States

How much does an Applications Programming Director make in the United States? (2025)

As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for an Applications Programming Director in the United States is $197,036 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $95.

However, an Applications Programming Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $222,069
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $181,050 to $210,139
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $166,496
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View as table View as graph 25% $181,050 10% $166,496 90% $222,069 75% $210,139 $197,036 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Applications Programming Director Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $210,139 $17,512 $4,041 $101
Average $197,036 $16,420 $3,789 $95
25th Percentile $181,050 $15,088 $3,482 $87
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Key Factors That Influence Applications Programming Director Salaries

An Applications Programming Director'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.

How Experience Level Affects Applications Programming Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Applications Programming Director'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-Level (less than 1 year): $187,398
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $188,810
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $190,693
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $193,046
  • Expert (over 8 years): $195,399
Levels Salary
Entry Level Applications Programming Director $187,398
Intermediate Level Applications Programming Director $188,810
Senior Level Applications Programming Director $190,693
Specialist Level Applications Programming Director $193,046
Expert Level Applications Programming Director $195,399
$187,398 0 yr
$188,810 < 2 yrs
$190,693 2-4 yrs
$193,046 5-8 yrs
$195,399 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Education impacts an Applications Programming Director's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Applications Programming Directors 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 an Applications Programming Director with a Bachelor's Degree is between $199,980 and $211,949.

Applications Programming Director Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Applications Programming Director
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.1%
High School 3.7%
Associates 7.4%
Bachelors 50.8%
Masters 35.4%
Doctorate 1.6%
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Applications Programming Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Applications Programming Director'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 November 01, 2025

Salary Trends for Applications Programming Directors

Salaries for an Applications Programming Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $184,019 in 2023 to around $182,747 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Applications Programming Director salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Applications Programming Director Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$184,019
2024
$183,511
2025
$182,747
2026
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $184,019
2024 $183,511
2025 $182,747
2026
View More

Applications Programming Director bonus and incentive rates

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 59.7%
Bonuses 15.6%
Social Security 4.3%
401k/403b 3.2%
Disability 1.5%
Healthcare 2.5%
Pension 4.1%
Time Off 9.3%
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Core Compensation
Median % of Total
Base Salary $197,036 59.7%
Bonus $51,404 15.6%
Value of Benefits
Median % of Total
Social Security $14,056 4.3%
401K/403B $10,434 3.2%
Disability $4,969 1.5%
Healthcare $8,352 2.5%
Pension $13,416 4.1%
Time Off $30,577 9.3%
Total Compensation $330,244 100%
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Most common benefits for Applications Programming Director

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Applications Programming Director

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FAQ about Applications Programming Director

1. Where can an Applications Programming Director earn the most?

An Applications Programming Director's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Applications Programming Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Applications Programming Director is $248,522.

2. What is the highest pay for Applications Programming Director?

The highest pay for Applications Programming Director is $222,069.

3. What is the lowest pay for Applications Programming Director?

The lowest pay for Applications Programming Director is $166,496.

4. What are the responsibilities of Applications Programming Director?

Directs all activities and develops policies and procedures related to the design, analysis, testing, coding, and implementation of applications. Enhances operations by establishing metrics, analyzing processes, and implementing standard methodologies, tools, and best practices to ensure high-quality deliverables. Oversees review of development proposals, projects, timelines, resources, and costs. Develops feedback processes for peer reviews, code reviews, and design reviews. Establishes a performance culture by incorporating individual and team coaching and mentoring to achieve excellence. May develop and manage outsourcing budgets, vendor relationships, or off-shore resources. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.

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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