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Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead Salary in the United States

How much does an Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead in the United States is $171,538 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $82.

However, an Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $204,411
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $156,671 to $188,745
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $143,135
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead Salaries

An Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead'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.

How Experience Level Affects Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $124,990
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $146,500
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $170,273
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $136,809
  • Expert (over 8 years): $154,851
Levels Salary
Applicati... Level Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead$124,990
Applicati... Level Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead$146,500
Applicati... Level Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead$170,273
Applicati... Level Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead$136,809
Applicati... Level Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead$154,851
View as Graph

How Do Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead 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 Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $189,927.
  • California: $189,206.
  • Massachusetts: $186,685.

Top Paying Cities for Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Leads

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: $216,361
  • San Francisco: $213,992
  • Oakland: $209,482

What Skills Can Increase an Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.15% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Application Development (Mentioned in 3.77% Job Postings): Application development may refer to: Mobile application development ("app development") or the process of developing desktop application software. Mobile app development is the act or process by which a mobile app is developed for mobile devices, such as personal digital assistants, enterprise digital assistants or mobile phones. These applications can be pre-installed on phones during manufacturing platforms, or delivered as web applications using server-side or client-side processing (e.g., JavaScript) to provide an "application-like" experience within a Web browser.
  • HTML (Mentioned in 2.45% Job Postings): A computer language that used in creating, updating and maintaining text, graphics and links in a website.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.15%
Application Development 3.77%
HTML 2.45%
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 an Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead's salary.

  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • UI: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Troubleshooting: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Consulting $190,407
11%
UI $186,976
9%
Troubleshooting $185,261
8%
Get Latest Data

Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 38% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Insurance and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Insurance$205,846$99.020%
Pharmaceuticals$202,415$97.018%
Biotechnology$192,123$92.012%
Energy & Utilities$185,261$89.08%
Software & Networking$181,830$87.06%

Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead'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 September 01, 2026
$156,671
Average $171,538/year
$188,745
$13,056
Average $14,295/month
$15,729
$3,013
Average $3,299/week
$3,630
$75
Average $82/hour
$91
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $188,745 $15,729 $3,630 $91
Average $171,538 $14,295 $3,299 $82
25th Percentile $156,671 $13,056 $3,013 $75

Most common benefits for Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead

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

Common company salaries for Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead

Here are companies hiring for Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead?

The Insurance industry offers the highest average compensation for Applications Systems Programmer/Analyst - Expert Project Lead 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.)

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