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Application Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Field Application Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site +1

$54K - $81K/yr

Join KEYENCE as a Field Application Engineer Training Classes Begin July 2026 Multiple U.S. Locations | Entry-Level | Full-Time Are you ready to launch your career with one of the world's most ...

Field Application Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$54K - $81K/yr

Join KEYENCE as a Field Application Engineer Training Classes Begin July 2026 Multiple U.S. Locations | Entry-Level | Full-Time Are you ready to launch your career with one of the world's most ...

Field Application Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site +1

$54K - $81K/yr

Join KEYENCE as a Field Application Engineer Training Classes Begin July 2026 Multiple U.S. Locations | Entry-Level | Full-Time Are you ready to launch your career with one of the world's most ...

Field Application Engineer

Campbell, CA · On-site +1

$54K - $81K/yr

Join KEYENCE as a Field Application Engineer Training Classes Begin July 2026 Multiple U.S. Locations | Entry-Level | Full-Time Are you ready to launch your career with one of the world's most ...

Field Application Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$54K - $81K/yr

Join KEYENCE as a Field Application Engineer Training Classes Begin July 2026 Multiple U.S. Locations | Entry-Level | Full-Time Are you ready to launch your career with one of the world's most ...

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Showing results 1-20

Application Programmer information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$87.8K

$147K

How much do application programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for application programmer in California is $87,782.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,700.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Application Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Application Programmer, you need strong proficiency in programming languages (such as Java, C#, or Python), problem-solving skills, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with integrated development environments (IDEs), version control systems (like Git), and frameworks relevant to the application domain is typically required. Effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for building robust, maintainable software solutions that meet user needs and adapt to evolving technology.

What does an Application Programmer do?

An Application Programmer is responsible for designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software applications that meet specific user or business needs. They often work with programming languages such as Java, C#, Python, or others to create new applications or modify existing ones. Application Programmers collaborate with other developers, analysts, and stakeholders to ensure the software functions correctly and efficiently. Their work may also involve debugging, updating, and optimizing software to improve performance and security.

What is the difference between Application Programmer vs Software Developer?

AspectApplication ProgrammerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, programming certificationsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, software engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDevelops specific applications, often within a team or projectDesigns, develops, and maintains software solutions, broader scope
Employer & Industry UsageIT companies, software firms, tech departmentsTech companies, startups, enterprise organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding specific programming roles, job requirementsBroader software development careers, skill differences

Application Programmers focus on coding and implementing specific applications based on detailed requirements. Software Developers have a broader role, encompassing designing, coding, testing, and maintaining entire software solutions. While both roles require programming skills and similar educational backgrounds, Software Developers typically handle a wider scope of projects and responsibilities.

What are some typical challenges an Application Programmer may face when working on a large-scale software project?

Application Programmers working on large-scale software projects often encounter challenges such as integrating new features into existing codebases, managing dependencies, and ensuring code quality across multiple team members. Effective communication with other developers, testers, and project managers is crucial to keep the project on track and resolve issues quickly. Additionally, adapting to changing project requirements and troubleshooting complex bugs are common aspects of the role. Maintaining thorough documentation and following best practices can help mitigate these challenges and ensure project success.
What are popular job titles related to Application Programmer jobs in California? For Application Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Application Programmer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Application Programmer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Application Programmer jobs? Cities in California with the most Application Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Application Programmer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 52% In-person, and 48% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,782 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Senior Application Programmer

Senior Application Programmer

Vertisystem Inc.

Downey, CA

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Location: Downey, CA
Duration: 12 months

Position Description

A Senior Application Programmer for Mainframe Systems is responsible for leading and/or working on the most complex IT applications design, documentation, development, modification, testing, installation, implementation, and support of new or existing applications software. The Senior Application Programmer for Mainframe Systems is responsible for analyzing and refining systems requirements; translating systems requirements into applications prototypes; planning and designing systems architecture; writing, debugging and maintaining code; determining and designing applications architecture; determining output media/formats; designing user interfaces; working with customers to test applications; assuring software and systems quality and functionality; integrating hardware and software components; writing and maintaining program documentation; evaluating new applications software technologies; and/or ensuring the rigorous application of information security/information assurance policies, principles and practices to the delivery of application software services.

Skills Required

The Senior Application Programmer for Mainframe Systems will possess knowledge and experience in applications software development principles and methods sufficient to participate in the design, development, testing and implementation of new or modified applications software; organization's operational environment; software design principles, methods and approaches; principles, methods and procedures for designing, developing, optimizing and integrating new and/or reusable systems components; pertinent government regulations; infrastructure requirements, database management principles and methodologies, including data structures, data modeling, data warehousing and transaction processing; functionality and operability of the current operating environment; systems engineering concepts and factors such as structured design, supportability, reliability, scalability and maintainability; optimization concepts and methods; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work; and speak and write effectively and prepare effective reports.

Additional Skills Required

Must have a strong background in ADABAS/NATURAL, JCL, TSO/ISPF, Predict, and N2O.

Experience Required

This classification must have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in electronic data processing systems design and programming with one or more of the software set forth below. LANGUAGES: COBOL, Natural/ SuperNatural, IMS/DB/DC, DB2/SQL, Assembler, SAS, CICS; MF FOCUS; TOOLS/UTILITIES: MVS JCL, MVS TSO/ISPF, IBM OPTIM, FILE Manager, SPUFI, ICEMAN/ICETOOLS, SORT, VSAM, CLIST, FTP, DYL260/280, CA Gen (CoolGen), CA Endevor, CA Spool, CA OM Web Viewer, IBM Websphere, Debugger, N2O; DATABASES: DB2, IMS, ADABAS, FOCUS; OS: z/OS; OTHER: EntireX, ASP, HTML, Cloverleaf.

Additional Experience Required

This classification must have a minimum of seven (7) years of demonstrated experience in ADABAS/NATURAL programming within a mainframe environment, with proficiency in the following areas: Language: Natural Database: ADABAS Tools and Utilities: JCL, TSO/ISPF, Predict, N2O, CA Spool OS: z/OS Additional Technologies: EntireX, SuperNatural, Cloverleaf

Education Required

This classification requires the possession of a bachelor's degree in an IT-related or Computer Science field. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Additional Education Required