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Applications Programming Manager Salary in the United States

How much does an Applications Programming Manager make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Applications Programming Manager in the United States is $151,799 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $73.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $172,445
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $142,102 to $162,606
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $133,273
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Applications Programming Manager Salaries

An Applications Programming Manager'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 Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Applications Programming Manager'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:

  • Applications Programmer V (7-10 years): $166,905
  • Applications Programming Supervisor (10+ years): $134,118
  • Applications Programming Manager (10+ years): $151,799
  • Applications Programming Senior Manager (10+ years): $176,818
  • Applications Programming Director (10+ years): $197,002
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Applications Programmer V7-10 years$166,905
Applications Programming Supervisor10+ years$134,118
Applications Programming Manager10+ years$151,799
Applications Programming Senior Manager10+ years$176,818
Applications Programming Director10+ years$197,002
View as Graph

How Do Applications Programming Managers 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 Applications Programming Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $168,072.
  • California: $167,434.
  • Massachusetts: $165,203.

Top Paying Cities for Applications Programming Manager

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: $191,464
  • San Francisco: $189,368
  • Oakland: $185,377

What Skills Can Increase an Applications Programming Manager's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Project Management (Mentioned in 10.71% Job Postings): Project management is the application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge and experience to achieve specific project objectives according to the project acceptance criteria within agreed parameters. Project management has final deliverables that are constrained to a finite timescale and budget.
  • Application Support (Mentioned in 2.19% Job Postings): Applications support is a service that ensures the operational processes in a business run smoothly and enables users to conduct their business.
  • Azure (Mentioned in 1.22% Job Postings): Microsoft Azure, often referred to as Azure, is a cloud computing service operated by Microsoft for application management via Microsoft-managed data centers.
Skills Demand Percentage
Project Management 10.71%
Application Support 2.19%
Azure 1.22%
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 an Applications Programming Manager's salary.

  • People Management: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Partnering: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Business Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
People Management $160,907
6%
Partnering $157,871
4%
Business Analysis $157,871
4%
Get Latest Data

Applications Programming Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Applications Programming Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $169,930. While startup companies pay approximate $143,757.

Applications Programming Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $143,757
Growth Stage 51~500 $152,040
Established 501~5000 $164,098
Enterprise 5000+ $169,930

Applications Programming Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Applications Programming Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 38% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Applications Programming Manager positions in Internet or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Applications Programming Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Applications Programming Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$179,123$86.018%
Energy & Utilities$174,569$84.015%
Financial Services$174,569$84.015%
Construction$170,015$82.012%
Insurance$166,979$80.010%

How Education impacts an Applications Programming Manager's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Applications Programming Manager enter the field with a Bachelor's 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 Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $149,605 and $157,999.

Applications Programming Manager Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Applications Programming Manager
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 3.1%
High School 5.1%
Associates 8.2%
Bachelors 58.2%
Masters 24.5%
Doctorate 1.0%
View as Graph

Applications Programming Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Applications Programming Manager'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 August 01, 2026
$142,102
Average $151,799/year
$162,606
$11,842
Average $12,650/month
$13,551
$2,733
Average $2,919/week
$3,127
$68
Average $73/hour
$78
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $162,606 $13,551 $3,127 $78
Average $151,799 $12,650 $2,919 $73
25th Percentile $142,102 $11,842 $2,733 $68

Applications Programming Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Applications Programming Manager

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Applications Programming Manager, 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 Programming Senior Manager $176,818 16%
Software Architect Senior Manager $176,818 16%
Backend Development Senior Manager $183,238 21%

Most common benefits for Applications Programming Manager

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

Common company salaries for Applications Programming Manager

Here are companies hiring for Applications Programming Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Applications Programming Manager

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

An Applications Programming Manager'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 Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Applications Programming Manager is $191,464.

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

The highest pay for Applications Programming Manager is $172,445.

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

The lowest pay for Applications Programming Manager is $133,273.

4. What are the responsibilities of Applications Programming Manager?

Manages teams and implements 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. Reviews development proposals, projects, timelines, resources, and costs. Leads 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 manage outsourcing budgets, vendors, or off-shore resources. Typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Applications Programming Manager?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Applications Programming Manager roles, with salaries approximately 18% above the market median.

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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