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Computer Programmer Salary in the United States

How much does a Computer Programmer make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Programmer in the United States is $71,709 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

However, a Computer Programmer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $90,993
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $65,533 to $81,803
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $59,911
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Computer Programmer Salaries

A Computer Programmer'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Computer Programmer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Computer Programmer'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $70,967
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $99,196
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $114,330
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $134,625
  • Expert (over 8 years): $146,201
Levels Salary
Computer ... Level Computer Programmer$70,967
Web Softw... Level Computer Programmer$99,196
Web Softw... Level Computer Programmer$114,330
Web Softw... Level Computer Programmer$134,625
Web Softw... Level Computer Programmer$146,201
View as Graph

How Do Computer Programmer 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 Computer Programmers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $79,396.
  • California: $79,095.
  • Massachusetts: $78,041.

Top Paying Cities for Computer Programmers

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: $90,446
  • San Francisco: $89,456
  • Oakland: $87,571

What Skills Can Increase a Computer Programmer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 3.21% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • SQL (Mentioned in 4.27% 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).
  • Software Engineering (Mentioned in 2.25% Job Postings): Software engineering is the application of engineering to the development of software in a systematic method. Notable definitions of software engineering include: "the systematic application of scientific and technological knowledge, methods, and experience to the design, implementation, testing, and documentation of software"—The Bureau of Labor Statistics—IEEE Systems and software engineering - Vocabulary "The application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software"—IEEE Standard Glossary of Software Engineering Terminology "an engineering discipline that is concerned with all aspects of software production"—Ian Sommerville "the establishment and use of sound engineering principles in order to economically obtain software that is reliable and works efficiently on real machines"—Fritz Bauer
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 3.21%
SQL 4.27%
Software Engineering 2.25%
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 Computer Programmer's salary.

  • Solution Design: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Solution Design $81,031
13%
Accountability $76,729
7%
Insight $76,729
7%
Get Latest Data

Computer Programmer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Computer Programmer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Computer Programmer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer Programmer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Computer Programmer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$86,051$41.020%
Pharmaceuticals$86,051$41.020%
Software & Networking$86,051$41.020%
Energy & Utilities$82,465$40.015%
Internet$82,465$40.015%

Computer Programmer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Computer Programmer'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
$65,533
Average $71,709/year
$81,803
$5,461
Average $5,976/month
$6,817
$1,260
Average $1,379/week
$1,573
$32
Average $34/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $81,803 $6,817 $1,573 $39
Average $71,709 $5,976 $1,379 $34
25th Percentile $65,533 $5,461 $1,260 $32

Most common benefits for Computer Programmer

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

Common company salaries for Computer Programmer

Here are companies hiring for Computer Programmer and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Computer Programmer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Computer Programmer?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Computer Programmer 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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