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Client/Server Programmer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Client/Server Programmer I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Client/Server Programmer I in the United States is $72,535 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

However, a Client/Server Programmer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $100,676
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,734 to $87,265
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $65,273
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Client/Server Programmer I Salaries

A Client/Server 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Client/Server Programmer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Client/Server 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:

  • Client/Server Programmer I (0-2 years): $72,535
  • Client/Server Programmer II (2-4 years): $85,787
  • Client/Server Programmer III (4-7 years): $111,156
  • Client/Server Programmer IV (7+ years): $124,173
  • Client/Server Programmer V (7-10 years): $145,447
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Client/Server Programmer I0-2 years$72,535
Client/Server Programmer II2-4 years$85,787
Client/Server Programmer III4-7 years$111,156
Client/Server Programmer IV7+ years$124,173
Client/Server Programmer V7-10 years$145,447
View as Graph

How Do Client/Server Programmer I 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 Client/Server Programmer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $80,311.
  • California: $80,006.
  • Massachusetts: $78,940.

Top Paying Cities for Client/Server Programmer Is

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: $91,488
  • San Francisco: $90,487
  • Oakland: $88,580

What Skills Can Increase a Client/Server Programmer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Problem Solving (Mentioned in 2.76% Job Postings): Analyzing and identifying the root cause of problems and applying critical thinking skills to solve problems.
  • Java (Mentioned in 3.29% Job Postings): Using Java in the development and maintenance of application programs and systems.
  • SQL (Mentioned in 2.27% Job Postings): Structured Query Language) is a domain-specific language used in programming and designed for managing data held in a relational database management system (RDBMS), or for stream processing in a relational data stream management system (RDSMS).
Skills Demand Percentage
Problem Solving 2.76%
Java 3.29%
SQL 2.27%
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 a Client/Server Programmer I's salary.

  • Software Development: Can increase your salary by up to 25%.
  • DevOps: Can increase your salary by up to 24%.
  • Networking: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Software Development $90,669
25%
DevOps $89,943
24%
Networking $86,317
19%
Get Latest Data

Client/Server Programmer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Client/Server Programmer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,061. While startup companies pay approximate $68,569.

Client/Server Programmer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $68,569
Growth Stage 51~500 $72,519
Established 501~5000 $78,275
Enterprise 5000+ $81,061

Client/Server Programmer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Client/Server Programmer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Client/Server Programmer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Client/Server Programmer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Client/Server Programmer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$87,042$42.020%
Pharmaceuticals$83,415$40.015%
Financial Services$81,965$39.013%
Software & Networking$81,239$39.012%
Aerospace & Defense$79,788$38.010%

How Education impacts a Client/Server Programmer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Client/Server Programmer I 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 Client/Server Programmer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $66,411 and $71,064.

Client/Server Programmer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Client/Server Programmer I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.0%
High School 8.4%
Associates 8.7%
Bachelors 57.1%
Masters 23.0%
Doctorate 1.7%
View as Graph

Client/Server Programmer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Client/Server 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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$68,734
Average $72,535/year
$87,265
$5,728
Average $6,045/month
$7,272
$1,322
Average $1,395/week
$1,678
$33
Average $35/hour
$42
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $87,265 $7,272 $1,678 $42
Average $72,535 $6,045 $1,395 $35
25th Percentile $68,734 $5,728 $1,322 $33

Client/Server Programmer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Client/Server Programmer I

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Advancement

For a Client/Server Programmer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Client/Server Programmer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $85,787 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Client/Server Programmer I

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

Common company salaries for Client/Server Programmer I

Here are companies hiring for Client/Server Programmer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Client/Server Programmer I

1. Where can a Client/Server Programmer I earn the most?

A Client/Server Programmer I'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, a Client/Server Programmer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Client/Server Programmer I is $91,488.

2. What is the highest pay for Client/Server Programmer I?

The highest pay for Client/Server Programmer I is $100,676.

3. What is the lowest pay for Client/Server Programmer I?

The lowest pay for Client/Server Programmer I is $65,273.

4. What are the responsibilities of Client/Server Programmer I?

Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing to support an organization's client/server software applications. Designs, plans, enhances, and tests all distributed systems platforms. Conducts technical assessment, research, and testing of technologies as requested. May require a bachelor's degree in a related area. Typically reports to a project leader or manager. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Client/Server Programmer I?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Client/Server Programmer I roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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