As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Application Developer I in the United States is $73,462 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, an Application Developer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Application Developer I'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 an Application Developer I'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 Application Developer I | $73,033 |
| Applicati... Level Application Developer I | $95,365 |
| Applicati... Level Application Developer I | $122,726 |
| Applicati... Level Application Developer I | $143,838 |
| Applicati... Level Application Developer I | $167,172 |
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 Application Developer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.43% |
| Application Development | 2.53% |
| CSS | 1.7% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Python
|
$80,074 |
9%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$78,605 |
7%
|
|
Java
|
$78,605 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$77,870 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$77,870 |
6%
|
|
Agile
|
$77,870 |
6%
|
For Application Developer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Application Developer positions in Construction or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Application Developer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $99,174 | $48.0 | 35% |
| Financial Services | $95,501 | $46.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $91,828 | $44.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $88,155 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $84,482 | $41.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an Application Developer I'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 an Application Developer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $78,380 in 2023 to around $77,698 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Application Developer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $78,380 |
| 2024 | $78,177 |
| 2025 | $77,698 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Application Developer I roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
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