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Application Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Application Programmer Location: Downey, CA Duration: 12 months Mandatory Skills: * The Senior Application Programmer for Mainframe Systems will possess knowledge and experience in ...

Field Application Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA ยท 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 ยท 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 ยท 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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Application Programmer information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$87.8K

$147K

How much do application programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 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 designs, develops, tests, and maintains software applications based on user requirements. They typically use programming languages like Java, C++, or Python and work with development tools and frameworks to create functional software solutions. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of software development life cycles are essential for this role.

Will AI replace developers in 2026?

Application programmers and developers use AI tools to automate coding tasks and improve efficiency, but AI is unlikely to fully replace human developers by 2026. Instead, AI is expected to augment programming skills, requiring developers to adapt and learn new technologies to stay relevant.

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 does an application developer do?

An application developer designs, codes, tests, and maintains software applications for computers, mobile devices, or web platforms. They use programming languages such as Java, Python, or C# and often work with development tools and frameworks to create functional, efficient software solutions. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of software development life cycles are essential in this role.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced software engineers, especially those in specialized fields like machine learning, AI, or working at top tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such roles often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes stock options or bonuses as part of compensation packages.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,782 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Senior Application Programmer - Mainframe Systems

Senior Application Programmer - Mainframe Systems

Artech

Cerritos, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Senior Application Programmer โ€“ Mainframe Systems

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: Strong background using IMS, JCL, CICS, and SPUFI via COBOL and DB2. 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: Minimum of five (5) years of experience with IMS/DB2/COBOL/CICS programming in a mainframe environment. Education: 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.

This assignment will require onsite work 5 days (M-F) per week initially and gradually allowing up to 2 days telework depending on the current project requirements. Job site is located at 12750 Center Court Drive, Suite 500 Cerritos, CA 90703.


Artech logo

About Artech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Artech is a leading IT staffing and consulting company based in Morristown, NJ, US. Since its foundation in 1992, Artech has mastered in complementing human expertise with technology and business acumen to produce world-class staffing solutions. The company caters to diverse industry sectors, including financial services, healthcare, telecommunication, energy and utilities, supply chain, and retail. It provides IT consulting, project management, professional and staff augmentation, and managed staffing services. Artech's mission is to provide exceptional IT staffing services to its clients by comprehending their business needs and then crafting a customized staffing strategy. Its notable achievement includes being recognized as one of the largest IT staffing companies in the U.S, according to Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA).

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Morristown, NJ, US

Year founded

1992