As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead PHP Developer in the United States is $170,639 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $82.
However, a Lead PHP Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead PHP Developer'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead PHP Developer'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 |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Lead PHP Developer | $127,725 |
| Software ... Level Lead PHP Developer | $147,771 |
| Lead PHP ... Level Lead PHP Developer | $169,875 |
| Software ... Level Lead PHP Developer | $168,266 |
| Software ... Level Lead PHP Developer | $212,552 |
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 PHP Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.92% |
| Open Source | 3.61% |
| AWS | 2.75% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Relationship Management
|
$206,473 |
21%
|
|
Accountability
|
$180,877 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$180,877 |
6%
|
|
Networking
|
$177,465 |
4%
|
|
Scrum
|
$177,465 |
4%
|
|
Initiative
|
$175,758 |
3%
|
For Lead PHP Developer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 81% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Lead PHP Developer positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead PHP Developer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $238,895 | $115.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $221,831 | $107.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $213,299 | $103.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $204,767 | $98.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $196,235 | $94.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lead PHP Developers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Lead PHP Developer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $168,870 and $177,702).
Lead PHP Developer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 2.5% |
| Associates | 2.0% |
| Bachelors | 43.2% |
| Masters | 43.9% |
| Doctorate | 7.8% |
Understanding how a Lead PHP Developer'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 Lead PHP Developer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $163,724 in 2023 to around $161,500 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead PHP Developer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $163,724 |
| 2024 | $162,726 |
| 2025 | $161,500 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Lead PHP Developer roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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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