Java Developer Salary: How Much Does a Java Developer Make in the US?

Java Developers are in high demand in the United States, and as a result, they can earn competitive salaries. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Java Developer in the United States is $99,497 per year, with a range of $65,000 to $153,000. However, there are many factors that can influence a Java Developer's salary, including their level of experience, the type of company they work for, and the region of the country they are located in.

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In this article, we will cover the Java Developer salaries based on level, location, and company, to help you identify the most lucrative career opportunities in the US. We’ll cover:

• Average Java Developer Salary by Level and Role
• Java Developer Salary by Location
• Java Developer Salary by Company
• FAQs on Java Development and Java Developer Jobs and Salaries

Average Java Developer Salary by Level and Role

One of the biggest factors that can impact a Java Developer's salary is their level of experience. Entry-level Java Developers, who have just graduated from a coding bootcamp or have less than one year of experience, can expect to earn a salary of around $81,194 per year. As a Java Developer gains more experience, their salary can increase significantly.

For example, a Java Developer with 4-6 years of experience can expect to earn a salary of around $93,182 per year, while a Java Developer with 10-14 years of experience can earn a salary of around $112,025 per year. More experienced Java Developers can earn salaries of up to $183,000 per year or more.

All figures mentioned above are total salaries. In addition to base salary, Java Developers may also be eligible for other forms of compensation, such as bonuses, stock options, and benefits. These additional forms of compensation add significantly to a Java Developer's total compensation package, and can vary depending on the company and location.

Overall, Java Developers in the United States can earn competitive salaries, with the potential to earn even higher salaries with more experience, and by working for larger companies in high-cost cities.

Entry-Level/Junior Java Developer Salary

Entry-level Java Developers (or Junior Java Developers) typically make $81,194 per year on average. But you can earn as high as $124,000, depending on the company you join.

Some of the highest-paying companies are Google, Apple, and Microsoft. Entry-level Java Developers can expect to make around $100,828 annually at Google, which is 40% above the national average, as per Indeed.com.

Apple offers $48,453 to $140,021 total salary to Junior Java Developers. Microsoft pays its entry-level Java Developers a base salary of $80,902 with the potential to earn up to $123,000.

Senior Java Developer Salary

The average salary for a Senior Java Developer in the United States is substantial, with professionals in this field earning an estimated median annual salary of $140,311. Depending on the specific role and experience level of the individual, salaries may range from $93,000 to $216,000 per year. This includes various forms of additional compensation and bonuses, including stock options, performance-based pay, and employer contributions to retirement plans. 

The job outlook for Senior Java Developers is very good, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting an 8% growth in employment from 2018 to 2028. This is faster than the average for all occupations, making it a great choice for those seeking a career in software development and programming.

Here’s a breakdown of the average annual salary for Java Developers by level:

Source: Glassdoor.com

Java Back-end Developer Salary

A Java Back-end Developer is responsible for developing and maintaining the server-side of a web application. This involves working with the front-end developers to integrate the user interface with the application's business logic and database. The Java Back-end Developer is responsible for writing and testing the server-side code, as well as maintaining and improving the application over time. This may involve working with databases, server configurations, and deployment processes, among other things.

Java Back-end Developers are highly sought-after professionals in the United States, with salaries that reflect their level of expertise. According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a Java Back-end Developer is $111,635. Additionally, they can also expect to earn additional compensation in the form of a bonus in the range of  $1,732 - $61,138.

Java Full Stack Developer Salary

A Java Full Stack Developer is a programmer who has expertise in both front-end and back-end development using the Java programming language. In the United States, a Java Full Stack Developer can expect to earn a competitive salary, with the average total salary for this role being $118,598 per year according to Glassdoor.

Entry-level Java Full Stack Developers can earn a salary of around $89,780 per year. A Java Full Stack Developer with five years of experience can expect to earn up to $148,000 per year.

Also see: Full Stack Developer Salary

Java Developer Salary by Location

Location can also play a role in determining a Java Developer's salary. Java Developers who work in cities with a high cost of living, such as San Francisco or New York, can expect to earn higher salaries than those who work in smaller cities or rural areas. For example, a Java Developer in San Francisco can earn a salary of around $108,469 per year, while a Java Developer in a smaller city such as Omaha may only earn a salary of around $86,422 per year (Glassdoor.com).

Java Developer Salary California

Java Developers in California can expect to earn between $64,976 and $122,992 annually (Indeed.com).

Java Developers that are employed in larger companies located in the tech-heavy San Francisco Bay Area typically earn more than those in other parts of the state. 

Additionally, certain industries may pay higher salaries for Java Developers than others. 

For example, a Java Developer working in the financial industry may have a higher salary than one working in the healthcare industry. With experience and certification, Java Developers in California can expect to earn a higher salary over time. 

Java Developer Salary in Los Angeles

The average salary for a Java Developer in Los Angeles is $116,636. This can vary depending on experience level, company size, and type of industry. (Indeed.com)

Java Developer Salary in San Francisco

The average salary for a Java Developer in San Francisco is $130,006 per year. (Indeed.com)

This puts the city among the top payers of Java Developers in the US. Additionally, those who have a mastery of the language and expertise in related technologies can expect to make considerably more. For those who are just starting out, San Francisco also offers some of the highest starting salaries for Java Developers in the country, with a median salary of $117,895. (Salary.com)

Other High-paying Cities in California:

• Sunnyvale, CA: $131,026 per year
• Santa Clara, CA: $127,292 per year
• San Jose, CA: $124,080 per year
• Oakland, CA: $120,909 per year
• Fremont, CA: $118,773 per year

Source: Indeed.com

Java Developer Salary New York

Java Developers in New York state are among the highest-paid software developers in the country. According to Indeed.com, the average salary for a Java Developer in New York is around $123,082 annually. This is 19% higher than the national average. (Indeed.com)

Java Developer Salary in NYC

Java Developers in New York City can expect to earn a wide range of salaries depending on their experience level and the specific industry they are employed in. Junior Java Developers with one to three years of experience may earn an annual salary ranging from $$87,000 to $130,000, while Senior Java Developers with five or more years of experience can earn anywhere from $93,000 to over $163,000 per year.

The most successful Java Developers in NYC are usually highly specialized and skilled professionals with extensive knowledge of the language as well as its associated frameworks and libraries. They should also be familiar with popular software development methodologies like agile and scrum, as well as specific defensive coding techniques.

Also see: 15 Best Tech Companies to Work for in New York City

Other High-paying Cities in New York for Java Developers

• Manhattan, NY: $120,451 per year
• Long Island City, NY: $113,810 per year
• Brooklyn, NY: $111,501 per year
• Albany, NY: $109,447 per year
• Buffalo, NY: $105,061 per year

Source: Indeed.com

Java Developer Salary in Georgia

Java Developers in the state of Georgia are often highly sought-after for their technical skills and capabilities. The average salary for a Java Developer in Georgia is $117,925 per year, according to Talent.com. 

Java Developer Salary in Atlanta

According to Salary.com, a Java Developer in the city of Atlanta earns between $83,163 and $110,796.

Other High-paying Cities in Georgia for Java Developers

• Duluth, GA: $109,078 per year
• Columbus, GA: $107,641 per year
• Roswell, GA: $104,790 per year
• Atlanta, GA: $104,273 per year
• Sandy Springs, GA: $103,450 per year

Source: Indeed.com

Java Developer Salary by Company

The type of company that a Java Developer works for can also impact their salary. Java Developers who work for large tech companies, such as Google or Amazon, can earn higher salaries than those who work for smaller companies. For example, a Java Developer at Google can expect to earn a salary of around $204,149 per year, while a Java Developer at a smaller tech company will earn much less.

Amazon Java Developer Salary

A Java Developer at Amazon can expect to earn an impressive salary. According to Glassdoor, the average total salary for a Java Developer at Amazon is $175,276 per year. However, salaries can vary based on experience level and location. 

Google Java Developer Salary

Java Developers at Google typically make high salaries due to the great demand for their skillset. According to Glassdoor, the median total salary for a Java Developer at Google is $204,149 per year, which includes $63,480 of additional pay. This is significantly higher than the national average. 

With experience and specialized skills, a Java Developer at Google can potentially earn even higher salaries.

Also see: Google Software Engineer Salary

Meta Java Developer Salary

Java Developers at Meta can expect an attractive and competitive salary. On average, a Java Developer at Meta can make between $$178,000 and $276,000 per year. Their salary and compensation packages are designed to attract the best and brightest minds, as well as those with years of experience in the industry. 

Average Java Developer Salary at other Tier-1 tech companies

• eBay: $214,559 per year
• Apple: $210,126 per year
• NetApp: $204,527 per year
• Airbnb: $200,776 per year
• Workday: $200,756 per year
• Microsoft: $199,640 per year

Source: Glassdoor.com

FAQs on Java Development and Java Developer Jobs and Salaries

1. What is a Java Developer?

A Java Developer is a programmer who specializes in the development and deployment of applications and software using the Java programming language. Java is a popular, cross-platform, object-oriented programming language, which means that it can run on a variety of systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. 

Java Developers are responsible for writing, testing, and maintaining code, as well as working with other members of a development team to design and implement new features and functionality. They may also be involved in debugging and troubleshooting existing code, and maintaining and improving the performance of existing applications.

2. What is Java development?

Java development refers to the process of creating applications and software using the Java programming language. It typically involves a wide range of activities, including designing and planning software and applications, writing and testing code, debugging and troubleshooting, and collaborating with other members of a development team. 

Java Developers may work on a variety of different types of projects, including web applications, desktop applications, mobile apps, and games. Additionally, they may use a variety of tools and frameworks to help them develop and deploy Java-based applications, such as Eclipse, NetBeans, and Spring. 

Overall, Java development is a complex and dynamic field that requires a strong understanding of the Java language and its capabilities, as well as practical experience in building and deploying Java-based applications.

3. What is a Java Developer’s salary?

As per Glassdoor, the average salary for a Java Developer in the United States is $99,497 per year, with a range of $65,000 to $153,000. The salary can vary based on your experience, location, and company. 

4. What is a Java Developer’s salary per hour?

As of November 23, 2022, the average hourly wage for a Java Developer in the United States is $48. However, the range can vary widely, with some developers earning $40 per hour and others earning as much as $54 per hour. Factors that can influence a Java Developer's hourly wage include their education, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience in the field. (Salary.com) 

5. How to become a Java Developer?

To become a Java Developer, you will need to have a strong understanding of the Java programming language and its capabilities. This can be achieved through a combination of education and experience.

Here are some steps you can follow to become a Java Developer:

1. Start by learning the basics of programming and computer science. This can include taking courses or online tutorials on topics such as algorithms, data structures, and software design.
2. Next, focus on learning Java specifically. This may involve taking classes or online courses on Java programming, or working through tutorials and practice problems on your own.
3. Once you have a strong foundation in Java, you can start building your own projects to gain practical experience. This can include working on personal projects, contributing to open-source projects, or participating in online coding challenges and competitions.
4. As you gain experience and build your skills, you can begin looking for entry-level Java Developer positions at companies that use Java. This may involve applying for jobs, networking with other developers, and showcasing your portfolio of projects to potential employers.
5. As you continue to develop your skills and gain experience, you can pursue more advanced positions and certifications, such as becoming a certified Java programmer or a Java architect.

Overall, becoming a Java Developer requires a strong understanding of the Java language and its capabilities, as well as practical experience in building and deploying Java-based applications. This can be achieved through a combination of education, experience, and continuous learning and development.

6. How to ace a Java Developer interview?

The key to acing a Java Developer interview is to be prepared, confident, and engaged. Show your passion for Java and software development, and be ready to demonstrate your skills and experience. You should be prepared to:

1. Discuss your experience and skills: Specific projects you've worked on, the technologies and frameworks you're familiar with, and any relevant certifications or education you have.
2. Answer technical questions about Java: Questions about the language's features and capabilities, common design patterns and best practices, and how to troubleshoot and debug code.
3. Discuss your approach to problem-solving and software development: Your coding style, how you approach debugging and troubleshooting, and how you work with other members of a development team.
4. Discuss your interests and motivations: Your goals and aspirations as a developer, the types of projects you're most interested in working on, and why you're interested in the company you're interviewing with.
5. Ask questions: This is an opportunity to show your interest in the company and the position, as well as to learn more about the team and the work they do. Some good questions to ask might include: Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with? What is the company's development process and culture like? What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the team right now?

7. What is a Java Full Stack Developer?

A Java Full Stack Developer is a programmer who has expertise in both the front-end and back-end aspects of application development using the Java programming language. Full stack developers are responsible for the complete development of an application, from the front-end user interface to the back-end server-side logic and database management. 

They are skilled in a wide range of technologies and frameworks, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, and various back-end technologies such as Spring and Hibernate. Full stack developers are often expected to have a strong understanding of the entire software development lifecycle, from design and implementation to testing and deployment. They may work closely with other members of a development team to ensure that an application meets the needs of the end user and is built to the highest standards. 

Additionally, they may be involved in troubleshooting and debugging existing code, and maintaining and improving the performance of existing applications. Overall, Java Full Stack Developers are versatile and highly skilled programmers who can handle all aspects of application development using the Java language.

8. What jobs use Java?

Java is a popular programming language that is used in a wide range of industries and job roles. There are many different jobs that use Java, and the specific roles and responsibilities can vary depending on the industry and the specific organization.

Some common jobs that use Java include:

• Java Developer: Java Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and deploying applications and software using the Java programming language. They may work on a variety of different types of projects, including web applications, desktop applications, mobile apps, and games.
• Java Architect: Java architects are experienced Java Developers who have advanced expertise in the language and its capabilities. They are responsible for designing and implementing the technical infrastructure of an organization's Java-based applications and systems.
• Java Team Lead: Java team leads are experienced Java Developers who are responsible for managing and leading a team of Java Developers. They are involved in all aspects of the software development process, from design and planning to implementation and testing.
• Java Technical Lead: Java technical leads are experienced Java Developers who have advanced expertise in the language and its capabilities. They are responsible for providing technical guidance and leadership to a team of Java Developers, and for ensuring that the team's work aligns with the organization's technical strategy.
• Java Software Engineer: Java software engineers are experienced Java Developers who are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software and applications using the Java programming language. They may work on a variety of different types of projects, including web applications, desktop applications, mobile apps, and games.

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