As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Clinical Programmer III in the United States is $107,701 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Clinical Programmer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Clinical Programmer III'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 Clinical Programmer III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Programmer I | 0-2 years | $72,184 |
| Clinical Programmer II | 2-4 years | $97,974 |
| Clinical Programmer III | 4-7 years | $107,701 |
| Clinical Programmer IV | 7+ years | $134,777 |
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 Clinical Programmer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 20.51% |
| Python | 3.35% |
| Molecular Biology | 1.31% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Molecular Biology
|
$115,240 |
7%
|
|
Organizing
|
$115,240 |
7%
|
|
Alignment
|
$113,086 |
5%
|
|
Innovation
|
$112,009 |
4%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$112,009 |
4%
|
|
Data Management
|
$112,009 |
4%
|
Clinical Programmer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $120,973. While startup companies pay approximate $102,649.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $102,649 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $108,473 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $116,914 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $120,973 |
For Clinical Programmer III 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 Biotechnology and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Clinical Programmer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Clinical Programmer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $129,241 | $62.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $118,471 | $57.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Clinical Programmer IIIs 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 Clinical Programmer III with a Associate's Degree is between $106,145 and $111,595).
Clinical Programmer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 21.6% |
| High School | 78.4% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 21.6% |
| Masters | 78.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Clinical Programmer III'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 July 01, 2026For a Clinical Programmer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Clinical Programmer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $134,777 - a projected growth of 25% over your current level.
Salaries for a Clinical Programmer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $105,733 in 2023 to around $105,020 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Clinical Programmer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $105,733 |
| 2024 | $105,506 |
| 2025 | $105,020 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Clinical Programmer III'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 Clinical Programmer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Clinical Programmer III is $135,843.
The highest pay for Clinical Programmer III is $122,037.
The lowest pay for Clinical Programmer III is $87,970.
Evaluates, develops, and maintains clinical database and analyzes clinical data. Codes, tests and documents databases. Performs data validation and develops algorithms for data management, typically using SAS programming language. May require a master's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience.
The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Clinical Programmer III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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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