Computer Programmer Salary in the United States
Based on 85K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$96,002
$46.15/hr
Salary Range
$61K – $145K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
85K
workers nationwide
The median salary for a Computer Programmer in the United States is $96,002 per year, equating to approximately $46 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint, with half of all Computer Programmers earning more and half earning less. The typical salary range falls between $61,198 and $144,651 annually.
Several factors can influence a Computer Programmer salary in the United States. These include years of experience, the specific technologies and programming languages an individual is proficient in, the size and type of the company, and geographic location. For example, top-paying states can offer significantly higher compensation than the national median.
Salary Distribution — Computer Programmer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,198 |
| 25th percentile | $76,320 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $96,002 |
| 75th percentile | $119,863 |
| 90th percentile | $144,651 |
Computer Programmer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Computer Programmer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | $133,820 | +39.4% | 2K |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $128,390 | +33.7% | 2K |
| 3 | Washington | $125,620 | +30.9% | 3K |
| 4 | Maryland | $125,570 | +30.8% | 2K |
| 5 | Virginia | $121,610 | +26.7% | 3K |
| 6 | Hawaii | $118,180 | +23.1% | 450 |
| 7 | California | $116,760 | +21.6% | 11K |
| 8 | Arkansas | $111,840 | +16.5% | 1K |
| 9 | Minnesota | $107,250 | +11.7% | 2K |
| 10 | New Jersey | $104,940 | +9.3% | 4K |
Computer Programmer Salary by Industry
How much Computer Programmers earn across industries nationwide — Utilities pays the most ($129,150 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $129,150 | +34.5% | 450 |
| 2 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $123,520 | +28.7% | 170 |
| 3 | Transportation and Warehousing | $111,290 | +15.9% | 860 |
| 4 | Administrative and Support Services | $108,410 | +12.9% | 3K |
| 5 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $107,950 | +12.4% | 3K |
| 6 | Finance and Insurance | $107,620 | +12.1% | 5K |
| 7 | Information | $101,260 | +5.5% | 9K |
| 8 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $100,360 | +4.5% | 2K |
| 9 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $99,990 | +4.2% | 39K |
| 10 | Manufacturing | $99,850 | +4.0% | 7K |
| 11 | Educational Services | $97,760 | +1.8% | 9K |
| 12 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $97,700 | +1.8% | 8K |
| 13 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $97,050 | +1.1% | 100 |
| 14 | Construction | $93,600 | -2.5% | 1K |
| 15 | Wholesale Trade | $82,770 | -13.8% | 3K |
| 16 | Retail Trade | $82,140 | -14.4% | 530 |
| 17 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $81,280 | -15.3% | 240 |
| 18 | Accommodation and Food Services | $79,030 | -17.7% | 50 |
| 19 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $71,020 | -26.0% | 800 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Computer Programmer
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Computer Programmer roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mphasis | $120,000 | 436 |
| 2 | Tata Consultancy Services | $84,032 | 360 |
| 3 | Wipro | $105,421 | 284 |
| 4 | Gp Technologies | $95,120 | 206 |
| 5 | Accenture | $137,400 | 112 |
| 6 | Compunnel Software Group | $99,000 | 109 |
| 7 | Skilltune Technologies | $94,250 | 102 |
| 8 | Capgemini | $120,060 | 86 |
Historical Salary Trend — Computer Programmer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $96,002 |
| 2026 (projected) | $98,882 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Computer Programmer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $76,320 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $96,002 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $119,863 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $144,651 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Computer Programmer in the US?
- The median Computer Programmer salary in the United States is $96,002 per year. This means that half of all computer programmers earn more than this amount, and half earn less. The salary range is generally between $61,198 and $144,651.
Which US state pays Computer Programmers the most?
- Connecticut is the top-paying state for Computer Programmers, with an average salary of $133,820 annually. This is considerably higher than the national median of $96,002.
How much does a Computer Programmer earn per hour on average?
- On average, a Computer Programmer in the United States earns about $46 per hour. This hourly rate is derived from the median annual salary of $96,002.
Is the salary for Computer Programmers consistent across the US?
- No, the Computer Programmer salary in the United States can vary significantly by location. While the median is $96,002, states like Connecticut offer a much higher compensation, reaching $133,820 annually.