Application Programmer Analyst Salary in the United States

How much does an Application Programmer Analyst make in the United States? As of November 01, 2026, the average salary for an Application Programmer Analyst in the United States is $74,057 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

However, an Application Programmer Analyst's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $88,223
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $69,283 to $81,472
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $64,937

Key Factors That Influence Application Programmer Analyst Salaries

An Application Programmer Analyst'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.

How Experience Level Affects Application Programmer Analyst Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Application Programmer Analyst'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): $72,512
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $85,833
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $106,623
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $126,138
  • Expert (over 8 years): $144,866
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Application Programmer Analyst less than 1 year $72,512
IT Systems Analyst II 1-2 years $85,833
IT Systems Analyst III 2-4 years $106,623
IT Systems Analyst IV 5-8 years $126,138
IT Systems Analyst V over 8 years $144,866

Top Paying Cities for Application Programmer Analyst

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: $93,408
  • San Francisco: $92,386
  • Oakland: $90,439

Application Programmer Analyst Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Application Programmer Analyst roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Application Programmer Analyst positions in MFG Durable or Insurance typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Application Programmer Analyst as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Application Programmer Analyst

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet $96,274 $46.0 30%
Aerospace & Defense $92,572 $45.0 25%
Energy & Utilities $88,869 $43.0 20%
Media $85,166 $41.0 15%
Business Services $81,463 $39.0 10%

How Education impacts an Application Programmer Analyst's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Application Programmer Analyst professionals enter the field with a Associate's degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Application Programmer Analyst with a Associate's is between $67,935 and $71,918.

Application Programmer Analyst Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Application Programmer Analyst
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Degree 0.6%
High School 8.6%
Associate's Degree 11.3%
Bachelor's Degree 57.6%
Master's Degree or MBA 21%
JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 0.9%

Application Programmer Analyst Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Application Programmer Analyst'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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on November 01, 2026
$69,283
Average $74,057/year
$81,472
$5,774
Average $6,171/month
$6,789
$1,332
Average $1,424/week
$1,567
$33
Average $36/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $81,472 $6,789 $1,567 $39
Average $74,057 $6,171 $1,424 $36
25th Percentile $69,283 $5,774 $1,332 $33

Most common benefits for Application Programmer Analyst

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

Common company salaries for Application Programmer Analyst

Here are companies hiring for Application Programmer Analyst and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Application Programmer Analyst Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Application Programmer Analyst job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • ApexFocusGroup | Columbus, OH

    ApexFocusGroup | Columbus, OH

    Seeking participants for Focus Group and market research studies. Work part-time from home and earn up to $750 per week. Register to see if you are eligibl... more

    8 Days Ago

  • MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    Find your next job here. Will train the right candidate. Average salaries from $20 - $37/Hr, full time and part time shifts available now. Hiring for: Derm... more

    10 Days Ago

  • MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    Find your next job here. Will train the right candidate. Average salaries from $12 - $22/Hr, full time and part time shifts available now. Hiring for: Food... more

    14 Days Ago

  • MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    Find your next job here. Will train the right candidate. Average salaries from $12 - $22/Hr, full time and part time shifts available now. Hiring for: Bake... more

    18 Days Ago

  • MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    Find your next job here. Will train the right candidate. Average salaries from $20 - $37/Hr, full time and part time shifts available now. Hiring for: Care... more

    18 Days Ago

  • MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    Find your next job here. Will train the right candidate. Average salaries from $20 - $37/Hr, full time and part time shifts available now. Hiring for: Surg... more

    18 Days Ago

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FAQ about Application Programmer Analyst

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Application Programmer Analyst?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Application Programmer Analyst roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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