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How much does a Programmer make?

The average salary for a Programmer is $93,634 per year in the US.

Programmers have a strong demand in the job market, and their salaries reflect this. The average yearly salary for a programmer is around $93,634. This figure can vary based on experience and location. Programmers with more experience and those in tech-heavy cities often earn more.

Here is a breakdown of programmer salaries based on experience:

  • Entry-level programmers earn around $40,000 per year.
  • With a few years of experience, salaries can rise to $65,000.
  • Mid-career programmers often make between $78,000 and $100,000.
  • Senior programmers and those with specialized skills can earn over $120,000 annually.
  • Top-tier programmers in high-demand areas can make upwards of $180,000 per year.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Programmer?

Programmers in San Francisco, CA, enjoy some of the highest salaries, averaging around $127,734 per year. This city offers many tech companies and a strong demand for skilled programmers. Tampa, FL, and Seattle, WA, also provide excellent opportunities with average salaries close to $115,000 and $113,000, respectively. These cities attract top talent due to their thriving tech industries and competitive compensation packages. Richmond, VA, and Los Angeles, CA, follow closely with average salaries over $110,000. Job seekers can find rewarding career opportunities in these locations.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Programmer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $127,734 and Allentown, PA with the lowest at $108,274.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $127,734
    In San Francisco, tech innovation thrives. Many top companies like Google and Salesforce offer exciting opportunities. The city's vibrant tech scene provides a dynamic environment for growth.
    Find Programmer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $115,175
    Tampa is a growing hub for tech jobs. Companies like Wells Fargo and Deloitte are expanding their tech teams. The city offers a mix of urban and relaxed living.
    Find Programmer jobs in Tampa, FL


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $112,785
    Seattle is home to major tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft. The city's tech culture is strong, with many startups and established companies. The Pacific Northwest offers a great quality of life.
    Find Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Richmond, VA
    Average Salary: $111,133
    Richmond has a growing tech industry. Companies like Capital One and Altria are hiring. The city offers a lower cost of living with plenty of opportunities.
    Find Programmer jobs in Richmond, VA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $110,679
    Los Angeles offers a diverse tech scene. Companies like Amazon and Google have a strong presence. The city's entertainment industry also provides unique opportunities for tech professionals.
    Find Programmer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $110,637
    Boston is a historic city with a modern tech edge. Companies like IBM and Fidelity are hiring. The city offers a rich cultural experience along with professional growth.
    Find Programmer jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $110,134
    Charlotte is a financial tech hub. Companies like Bank of America and Wells Fargo are major employers. The city offers a balanced lifestyle with plenty of job opportunities.
    Find Programmer jobs in Charlotte, NC


  8. Syracuse, NY
    Average Salary: $109,792
    Syracuse offers a lower cost of living with tech opportunities. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Syracuse University provide good career options. The city has a strong educational focus.
    Find Programmer jobs in Syracuse, NY


  9. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $109,593
    Washington, DC, is a political and tech hub. Companies like Amazon and Google have a strong presence. The city offers a mix of professional and cultural experiences.
    Find Programmer jobs in Washington, DC


  10. Allentown, PA
    Average Salary: $108,274
    Allentown offers a lower cost of living with tech opportunities. Companies like Air Products and Lehigh Valley Health Network are hiring. The city provides a balanced lifestyle with good career prospects.
    Find Programmer jobs in Allentown, PA

What are the best companies a Programmer can work for?

Apple offers one of the highest salaries for programmers, averaging around $190,000 per year. Citi and Raytheon also provide top-tier compensation, with average salaries close to $150,000. Leidos, Computer Consultants International, Inc. (CCI), and Amazon.com follow closely behind, each offering competitive pay packages for skilled programmers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Programmer jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $190,351 and Amentum with the lowest at $129,700.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $190,351
    Apple offers exciting opportunities for programmers. They work on cutting-edge technology in locations like Cupertino, California, and other global offices. Programmers here focus on developing innovative software for Apple devices.


  2. Citi
    Average Salary: $148,488
    Citi provides a dynamic environment for programmers. They work on financial technology solutions in cities like New York, London, and Hong Kong. Programmers at Citi develop software to improve banking services.


  3. Raytheon
    Average Salary: $145,217
    Raytheon offers rewarding roles for programmers. They focus on defense and aerospace technology. Locations include Waltham, Massachusetts, and other sites across the U.S. Programmers here create software for critical systems.


  4. Leidos
    Average Salary: $143,349
    Leidos provides opportunities for programmers in national security and health sectors. They operate in Reston, Virginia, and other locations. Programmers at Leidos develop software for government and healthcare projects.


  5. Computer Consultants International, Inc. (CCI)
    Average Salary: $143,222
    CCI offers diverse roles for programmers. They work in various industries, including finance and healthcare. Locations include New York and other major cities. Programmers at CCI develop software to meet specific client needs.


  6. synchrony
    Average Salary: $142,500
    Synchrony offers opportunities for programmers in the financial sector. They focus on developing software for consumer finance. Locations include Stamford, Connecticut, and other sites. Programmers here create solutions to enhance financial services.


  7. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $141,441
    Amazon provides exciting opportunities for programmers. They work on e-commerce and cloud computing solutions. Locations include Seattle, Washington, and other global offices. Programmers here develop software to improve online shopping experiences.


  8. General Dynamics Information Technology
    Average Salary: $137,086
    General Dynamics Information Technology offers roles for programmers in defense and government sectors. They operate in locations like Falls Church, Virginia, and other sites. Programmers here develop software for critical national security projects.


  9. The Matlen Silver Group, Inc.
    Average Salary: $131,548
    The Matlen Silver Group, Inc. offers opportunities for programmers in the financial sector. They focus on developing software for wealth management. Locations include New York and other major cities. Programmers here create solutions to enhance financial services.


  10. Amentum
    Average Salary: $129,700
    Amentum provides roles for programmers in defense and aerospace sectors. They operate in locations like Reston, Virginia, and other sites. Programmers here develop software for critical defense projects.

How to earn more as a Programmer?

Aspiring programmers can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. One important factor is gaining expertise in high-demand programming languages. Languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript often command higher salaries due to their widespread use in various industries. Another factor is obtaining relevant certifications. Certifications from recognized organizations can enhance a programmer's credibility and open doors to higher-paying positions. Networking also plays a crucial role. Building connections with industry professionals can lead to job opportunities that offer better compensation. Additionally, taking on freelance projects can provide extra income and valuable experience. Finally, continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technologies can make a programmer more competitive in the job market.

Specializing in a niche area can also lead to higher earnings. For example, programmers who focus on cybersecurity, data science, or artificial intelligence often find themselves in high demand. These specialized skills can justify higher pay rates. Another way to earn more is by working in a high-cost-of-living area. Companies in major cities may offer higher salaries to attract talent. Programmers can also increase their earnings by contributing to open-source projects. This not only builds a portfolio but also increases visibility in the tech community. Lastly, seeking promotions and negotiating salary raises can be effective strategies. Demonstrating value through performance and taking on additional responsibilities can lead to higher pay.

Currently 1,266 Programmer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Programmer in the US?

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Programmer
1,266 Job Openings