As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Java Developer, Sr. in the United States is $128,227 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, a Java Developer, Sr.'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Java Developer, Sr.'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 Java Developer, Sr.'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Java Developer, Sr. | $123,802 |
| Intermediate Level Java Developer, Sr. | $124,540 |
| Senior Level Java Developer, Sr. | $126,015 |
| Specialist Level Java Developer, Sr. | $131,388 |
| Expert Level Java Developer, Sr. | $134,233 |
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 Java Developer, Sr.s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 3% |
| Docker | 3.36% |
| Prototyping | 1.8% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Data Privacy
|
$135,921 |
6%
|
|
Networking
|
$134,638 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$133,356 |
4%
|
|
Design Thinking
|
$130,792 |
2%
|
|
Digital Transformation
|
$130,792 |
2%
|
|
Project Planning
|
$130,792 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Java Developer, Sr.s 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 a Java Developer, Sr. with a Bachelor's Degree is between $115,873 and $124,446).
Java Developer, Sr. Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 2.1% |
| Associates | 1.5% |
| Bachelors | 55.5% |
| Masters | 39.1% |
| Doctorate | 1.5% |
Understanding how a Java Developer, Sr.'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 February 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Java Developer, Sr., 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 Programmer IV | $143,577 | 12% |
| Software Architect IV | $145,653 | 14% |
| Backend Developer IV | $145,375 | 13% |
| Full Stack Developer IV | $145,375 | 13% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Java Developer, Sr. and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Java Developer, Sr. job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Java Developer, Sr.'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 Java Developer, Sr. earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Java Developer, Sr. is $161,733.
The highest pay for Java Developer, Sr. is $148,457.
The lowest pay for Java Developer, Sr. is $109,348.
Designs, develops, and implements web-based Java applications to support business requirements. Follows approved life cycle methodologies, creates design documents, and performs program coding and testing. Resolves technical issues through debugging, research, and investigation. Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature.
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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