Computer Programmer Salary in Philadelphia, PA: $100,634 (2024)
Official 2024 BLS Data | $48.38/hour | $65,830 - $142,485 range
Median Annual Salary
$100,634
Hourly Rate
$48.38
/hour
Jobs in Area
244
employed
Compare to Other Cities
See All →Philadelphia, PA
$100,634
San Jose, CA
$136,916
in San Jose, CA
Computer Programmer Salary Range in Philadelphia, PA
Annual Salary Range
$66k
10th percentile
$85k
25th
$122k
75th
$142k
90th percentile
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $65,830 | $31.65 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,824 | $40.78 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $100,634 | $48.38 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,376 | $58.83 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $142,485 | $68.50 |
| Average (Mean) | $106,783 | $51.34 |
Computer Programmer Market Insights for Philadelphia, PA
Compensation Overview
Computer Programmer compensation in Philadelphia, PA aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $65,830 to $142,485 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.
Local Market Context
Philadelphia, PA offers competitive compensation that aligns closely with national benchmarks. The Pennsylvania economy supports a diverse range of industries, providing stable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Career Outlook
The Computer Programmer profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 116% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary
- •Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 42% more than median salaries
- •Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
- •Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise
+2%
vs National Avg
+6%
vs State Avg
116%
Salary Range
244
Jobs in Area
Career Path & Salary Progression
Typical Computer Programmer salary growth in Philadelphia, PA based on experience level.
Entry Level
0-2 years10th percentile
$65,830
/year
Early Career
2-5 years25th percentile
$84,824
/year
Mid Career
5-10 years50th percentile
$100,634
/year
Senior
10-15 years75th percentile
$122,376
/year
Expert
15+ years90th percentile
$142,485
/year
Next Career Steps
Common career progressions from Computer Programmer:
Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.
Computer Programmer Job Market in Philadelphia, PA
Where Computer Programmers Work
Computer Programmers work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.
Local Employment Landscape
Employment in this occupation is more limited in Philadelphia, PA compared to larger metros. Professionals may find opportunities concentrated among fewer employers, making employer research and networking particularly valuable.
Types of Employers Hiring
Large Corporations
Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential
Small to Medium Businesses
May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities
Government Agencies
Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance
Professional Services Firms
Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers
Skills That Increase Earning Potential
Job Search Strategy for Philadelphia, PA
- •Research major employers in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
- •Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Pennsylvania
- •Tailor your salary expectations based on the Philadelphia, PA market rate of $100,634
- •Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $65,830 in this market
Frequently Asked Questions
The median computer programmer salary in Philadelphia, PA is $100,634 per year ($48.38/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $65,830 for entry-level positions to $142,485 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.
Entry-level computer programmers in Philadelphia, PA typically start at around $65,830 per year ($31.65/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $100,634 within 3-5 years.
Computer Programmers in Philadelphia, PA earn a median hourly wage of $48.38 per hour. Hourly rates range from $31.65/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $68.50/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $65,830 and $142,485.
The median computer programmer salary of $100,634 in Philadelphia, PA is above the national median of $98,670 (2.0% higher). This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of computer programmers in the area earn more and half earn less.
Computer Programmers in Philadelphia, PA earn above the national average. The local median salary of $100,634 is 2.0% higher than the national median of $98,670. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $96,578.
The top 10% of computer programmers in Philadelphia, PA earn $142,485 or more per year ($68.50/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $122,376, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.
Key skills that can boost computer programmer salary in Philadelphia, PA include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $100,634, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($122,376) or higher. Years of relevant experience
Philadelphia, PA has a specialized job market for computer programmers, with approximately 244 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $100,634 is above the national average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.
Compare your computer programmer salary to these Philadelphia, PA benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $65,830, 25th percentile: $84,824, 50th percentile (median): $100,634, 75th percentile: $122,376, 90th percentile (top earners): $142,485. If you earn more than $100,634, you're above average for the area.
Beyond the $100,634 median base salary, computer programmers in Philadelphia, PA typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.
Experienced computer programmers with 5-10 years in Philadelphia, PA typically earn $122,376 (75th percentile) to $142,485 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $142,485. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $100,634.
Computer Programmers in Philadelphia, PA can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($65,830) to median ($100,634) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($142,485) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $76,655 over a career.
Data Source & Methodology
Official government statistics you can trust
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program
Visit Official BLS WebsiteData Year
2024
2 Years Old
Geographic Area
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Occupation Code
15-1299
SOC Classification
Sample Size
244
Employees Surveyed
How This Data Is Collected
The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.
Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
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Computer Programmer in Philadelphia, PA
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Median: $100,634/yr
How Philadelphia, PA Compares
vs National Average
$98,670
vs Pennsylvania Average
$94,708
Cost-of-Living Adjusted
$96,578
Cost of living in Philadelphia, PA is 4.2% above the national average.
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