Highest Paying Jobs At Cognizant: Top Cognizant Salaries [2026]
Research Summary. Leveraging public government and corporate data alongside insights from numerous job postings, our team of experts at Zippia has pinpointed a range of lucrative positions and their average annual salaries. This analysis has resulted in salary estimates for various roles at Cognizant.
Here’s a concise overview of our findings on the highest-paying jobs at Cognizant:
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Senior Manager ranks as the top-paying position at Cognizant, with an average salary of $106,504 and an hourly rate of $51.20.
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The second highest-paying role is Application Software Developer, earning an average salary of $99,416.
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The overall average salary at Cognizant stands at $84,395 annually, translating to an average hourly pay of $40.57.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Many job seekers already have a target company in mind before deciding on a specific role. If Cognizant is on your radar, it’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with the highest-paying positions the company offers to assess your application strategy.
So, what can you expect in terms of salaries at Cognizant? Salaries can vary based on job role, experience, and geographic location, but certain roles consistently stand out for their lucrative pay. Here’s a snapshot of the top salaries at Cognizant:
Below is a comprehensive table showcasing the highest-paying positions at Cognizant, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest Paying Jobs At Cognizant
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Senior Manager | |
| 2 | Application Software Developer | |
| 3 | Requirements Manager | |
| 4 | Lead Technician | |
| 5 | Computer Systems Analyst | |
| 6 | Quality Assurance Lead | |
| 7 | Senior Systems Analyst | |
| 8 | Associate |
Methodology
Our salary estimates are derived from publicly available data sources including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Additionally, our data science team reviews job postings and company resources to gather the most current salary information.
After collecting the data, we calculate a weighted average for each job title. For more information on our methodology, visit our detailed methodology page.
Highest Paying Jobs At Cognizant FAQs
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What is the highest-paid job at Cognizant?
The highest-paid position at Cognizant is Senior Manager. This role commands an average salary of $106,504, which equates to approximately $51.20 per hour.
The top eight highest-paying roles at Cognizant include:
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What is a good salary at Cognizant?
A good salary at Cognizant exceeds $84,395 annually. This is the average salary at Cognizant, so earning above this figure generally indicates a good standing.
However, depending on your role and expertise, this average may vary. If you discover that your salary is below this average, consider discussing a raise or exploring what steps you can take to progress to a higher pay bracket.
Geographic location also impacts salary, as Cognizant adjusts its pay scales based on the cost of living in different areas. For instance, average salaries for Cognizant employees in California may be significantly higher than those in the Midwest.
Review the average salaries of Cognizant employees in your region to assess your compensation.
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Do jobs at Cognizant pay well?
Yes, positions at Cognizant are well-compensated. The average starting salary is approximately $63,000 annually, or $30.29 per hour. The overall average salary at Cognizant is $84,395 per year ($40.57 per hour), significantly above the national average salary of around $44,225 per year.
In comparison, Microsoft, a key competitor of Cognizant, pays its employees an average of $131,100 per year, or $63.03 per hour, which is roughly $46,705 more than Cognizant’s average salary, and $22.45 more per hour than Cognizant’s average hourly rate.
In summary, Cognizant offers competitive salaries across various roles, making it an attractive option for job seekers. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, understanding salary expectations can empower you to make informed career decisions.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
