As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Java Engineer in the United States is $159,211 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:
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A Lead Java Engineer'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead Java Engineer'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 Lead Java Engineer | $154,941 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Java Engineer | $155,564 |
| Senior Level Lead Java Engineer | $155,813 |
| Specialist Level Lead Java Engineer | $157,058 |
| Expert Level Lead Java Engineer | $158,055 |
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 Lead Java Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Consulting | 3.57% |
| Kubernetes | 3.57% |
| Deployment Management | 1.79% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Client Service
|
$176,724 |
11%
|
|
Facilitation
|
$170,356 |
7%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$170,356 |
7%
|
|
ERP
|
$168,764 |
6%
|
|
Consulting
|
$165,579 |
4%
|
|
Azure
|
$162,395 |
2%
|
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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Lead Java Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $163,159 in 2023 to around $160,245 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead Java Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $163,159 |
| 2024 | $162,552 |
| 2025 | $160,245 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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