As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Client/Server Programmer I in the United States is $72,532 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Client/Server Programmer I | 0-2 years | $72,532 |
| Client/Server Programmer II | 2-4 years | $85,799 |
| Client/Server Programmer III | 4-7 years | $111,147 |
| Client/Server Programmer IV | 7+ years | $124,158 |
| Client/Server Programmer V | 7-10 years | $145,422 |
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 Client/Server Programmer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 2.76% |
| Java | 3.29% |
| SQL | 2.27% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Software Development
|
$90,665 |
25%
|
|
DevOps
|
$89,940 |
24%
|
|
Networking
|
$86,313 |
19%
|
|
AWS
|
$84,862 |
17%
|
|
C#
|
$84,137 |
16%
|
|
Analysis
|
$82,686 |
14%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Client/Server Programmer Is enter the field with a Associate'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 Client/Server Programmer I with a Associate's Degree is between $65,142 and $69,643).
Client/Server Programmer I Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
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 June 01, 2026For 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 $85,799 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Salaries for a Client/Server Programmer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $67,565 in 2023 to around $67,246 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Client/Server Programmer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $67,565 |
| 2024 | $67,573 |
| 2025 | $67,246 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Client/Server Programmer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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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 $91,485.
The highest pay for Client/Server Programmer I is $100,660.
The lowest pay for Client/Server Programmer I is $65,284.
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.
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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