As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Application Programmer in the United States is $93,655 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.
However, an Application Programmer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Application Programmer'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 Programmer'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 Application Programmer | $91,344 |
| Intermediate Level Application Programmer | $91,616 |
| Senior Level Application Programmer | $94,902 |
| Specialist Level Application Programmer | $98,080 |
| Expert Level Application Programmer | $98,307 |
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 Programmers. 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
|
$96,465 |
3%
|
|
Consulting
|
$95,528 |
2%
|
|
Agile
|
$95,528 |
2%
|
|
Team Development
|
$95,528 |
2%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$94,592 |
1%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$94,592 |
1%
|
Understanding how an Application Programmer'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 an Application Programmer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $101,571 in 2023 to around $101,429 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Application Programmer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $101,571 |
| 2024 | $102,535 |
| 2025 | $101,429 |
| 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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