As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Programmer II in the United States is $96,263 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Programmer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Programmer II'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 Programmer II'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 |
|---|---|
| Applicati... Level Programmer II | $73,281 |
| Programme... Level Programmer II | $95,689 |
| Applicati... Level Programmer II | $123,143 |
| Applicati... Level Programmer II | $144,326 |
| Applicati... Level Programmer II | $167,740 |
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 Programmer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.31% |
| Application Development | 2.98% |
| CSS | 2.1% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Python
|
$99,151 |
3%
|
|
Consulting
|
$98,189 |
2%
|
|
Agile
|
$98,189 |
2%
|
|
Team Development
|
$98,189 |
2%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$97,226 |
1%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$97,226 |
1%
|
For Programmer II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Programmer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Programmer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $125,142 | $60.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $120,329 | $58.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $115,516 | $56.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $110,703 | $53.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $105,890 | $51.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Programmer II'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Programmer II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $103,100 in 2023 to around $102,955 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Programmer II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $103,100 |
| 2024 | $104,078 |
| 2025 | $102,955 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Programmer II roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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