Computer Programmer Salary in 2026
How Much Do Computer Programmers Make?
Computer Programmers earn a median annual salary of $98,670 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $52,190 at the 10th percentile to $162,090 at the 90th percentile — a range of $109,900. The highest-paying state is Washington at $158,820.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,190 |
| 25th percentile | $71,860 |
| Median (50th) | $98,670 |
| 75th percentile | $128,960 |
| 90th percentile | $162,090 |
Computer Programmer Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $158,820 |
| Montana | $128,630 |
| Oregon | $126,980 |
| Colorado | $124,880 |
| California | $116,220 |
| Massachusetts | $115,200 |
| Virginia | $111,860 |
| Wisconsin | $109,580 |
| Minnesota | $108,450 |
| Hawaii | $108,040 |
| Wyoming | $105,420 |
| Kentucky | $104,840 |
| Maine | $103,110 |
| Maryland | $103,000 |
| New Jersey | $102,770 |
| Oklahoma | $100,910 |
| Delaware | $100,700 |
| Arkansas | $100,670 |
| South Carolina | $100,620 |
| Connecticut | $100,510 |
| New York | $100,410 |
| Ohio | $99,520 |
| Tennessee | $99,270 |
| Florida | $98,630 |
| Georgia | $97,970 |
| North Carolina | $95,770 |
| Rhode Island | $94,560 |
| Nebraska | $93,620 |
| Missouri | $93,550 |
| Nevada | $92,650 |
| Kansas | $91,600 |
| Alaska | $88,930 |
| North Dakota | $88,910 |
| Utah | $88,410 |
| Alabama | $87,230 |
| Pennsylvania | $84,770 |
| Iowa | $84,730 |
| Louisiana | $83,980 |
| New Mexico | $83,680 |
| Indiana | $83,670 |
| Illinois | $83,460 |
| District of Columbia | $82,580 |
| New Hampshire | $80,880 |
| Texas | $80,820 |
| Idaho | $80,390 |
| Vermont | $78,230 |
| Arizona | $71,930 |
| Michigan | $68,790 |
| West Virginia | $65,140 |
| Mississippi | $65,120 |
| South Dakota | $56,520 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Computer Programmers
Computer Programmer Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$52,190 – $71,860 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$98,670 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$128,960 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $162,090+ |
How to Earn More as a Computer Programmer
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Computer Programmers in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earn $159,250 — $60,580 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($128,960) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Computer Programmer Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Programmerthis career | $98,670 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $171,200 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,790 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | $140,910 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $60,340 |
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SOC: 15-1251.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.