As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Java Programmer and Developer in the United States is $107,364 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Java Programmer and Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Java Programmer and Developer'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 Programmer and Developer'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 Programmer and Developer | $103,336 |
| Intermediate Level Java Programmer and Developer | $103,644 |
| Senior Level Java Programmer and Developer | $107,364 |
| Specialist Level Java Programmer and Developer | $110,953 |
| Expert Level Java Programmer and Developer | $111,209 |
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 Programmer and Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Team Development | 2.34% |
| Agile | 3.41% |
| Business Requirements | 2.12% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Hard Working
|
$109,511 |
2%
|
|
Python
|
$109,511 |
2%
|
|
AWS
|
$108,438 |
1%
|
|
Microservices
|
$108,438 |
1%
|
|
Networking
|
$108,438 |
1%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$108,438 |
1%
|
For Java Programmer and Developer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Java Programmer and Developer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Java Programmer and Developer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $161,046 | $77.0 | 50% |
| Financial Services | $134,205 | $65.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $128,837 | $62.0 | 20% |
| Telecom | $128,837 | $62.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $123,469 | $59.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Java Programmer and Developers 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 Programmer and Developer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $98,148 and $106,616).
Java Programmer and Developer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 2.7% |
| Associates | 3.4% |
| Bachelors | 60.1% |
| Masters | 31.8% |
| Doctorate | 1.3% |
Understanding how a Java Programmer and Developer'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, 2026Salaries for a Java Programmer and Developer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $103,295 in 2023 to around $103,150 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Java Programmer and Developer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $103,295 |
| 2024 | $104,275 |
| 2025 | $103,150 |
| 2026 |
View More
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| 2027 |
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|
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