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Lead Java Engineer Salary in the United States

How much does a Lead Java Engineer make in the United States?

As of November 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Java Engineer in the United States is $159,210 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $77.

However, a Lead Java Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $182,456
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $150,776 to $171,378
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $143,097
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs
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Key Factors That Influence Lead Java Engineer Salaries

A Lead Java Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Lead Java Engineer 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 Lead Java Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $176,277.
  • California: $175,609.
  • Massachusetts: $173,268.

Top Paying Cities for Lead Java Engineers

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: $200,812
  • San Francisco: $198,613
  • Oakland: $194,427

What Skills Can Increase a Lead Java Engineer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Consulting (Mentioned in 3.57% Job Postings): Providing technical or business expertise and advice to internal or external clients.
  • Kubernetes (Mentioned in 3.57% Job Postings): Applying Kubernetes to automate deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications.
  • Deployment Management (Mentioned in 1.79% Job Postings): Deployment Management is to move new or changed hardware, software, documentation, processes, or any other component to live environments. It is used in planning, scheduling, and controlling of the build, testing, and deployment.
Skills Demand Percentage
Consulting 3.57%
Kubernetes 3.57%
Deployment Management 1.79%
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 Lead Java Engineer's salary.

  • Client Service: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Facilitation: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Microsoft Office: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Client Service $176,723
11%
Facilitation $170,355
7%
Microsoft Office $170,355
7%
Get Latest Data

Lead Java Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Lead Java Engineer 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 Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Lead Java Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Java Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Lead Java Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$191,052$92.020%
Biotechnology$191,052$92.020%
Financial Services$191,052$92.020%
Pharmaceuticals$191,052$92.020%
Software & Networking$191,052$92.020%

Lead Java Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Lead Java Engineer'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 November 01, 2026
$150,776
Average $159,210/year
$171,378
$12,565
Average $13,268/month
$14,282
$2,900
Average $3,062/week
$3,296
$72
Average $77/hour
$82
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $171,378 $14,282 $3,296 $82
Average $159,210 $13,268 $3,062 $77
25th Percentile $150,776 $12,565 $2,900 $72

Most common benefits for Lead Java Engineer

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

Common company salaries for Lead Java Engineer

Here are companies hiring for Lead Java Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Lead Java Engineer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Lead Java Engineer?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Lead Java Engineer 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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