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Job outlook for application leads in the United States
Application lead job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected application lead job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 56,000 new jobs for application leads are projected over the next decade.
Application lead salaries have increased 8% for application leads in the last 5 years.
There are over 94,982 application leads currently employed in the United States.
There are 163,233 active application lead job openings in the US.
The average application lead salary is $112,992.
Are application lead jobs in demand?
Application lead job and salary trends over time
Application lead jobs over time
Application lead job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 94,982 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 135,799 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 98,586 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 86,633 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 81,619 | 0.02% |
Average application lead salary over time
Application lead salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $112,992 | $54.32 | +3.4% |
| 2025 | $109,269 | $52.53 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $106,795 | $51.34 | +0.5% |
| 2023 | $106,229 | $51.07 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $104,965 | $50.46 | +1.7% |
Application lead jobs by state
Most common states for application leads
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 593 | 85% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 312 | 30% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 302 | 29% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 202 | 27% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,774 | 26% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 480 | 25% |
| 7 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 428 | 25% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,035 | 24% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 152 | 24% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 218 | 23% |
| 11 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 197 | 23% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 914 | 22% |
| 13 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 654 | 22% |
| 14 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 300 | 22% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,148 | 21% |
| 16 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 592 | 20% |
| 17 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,724 | 19% |
| 18 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 586 | 19% |
| 19 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 559 | 19% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 395 | 19% |
Most common cities for application leads
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lansing | 4 | 3% | $109,085 |
| 2 | Springfield | 3 | 3% | $99,592 |
| 3 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $119,596 |
| 4 | Miami | 7 | 2% | $103,882 |
| 5 | Huntsville | 4 | 2% | $101,736 |
| 6 | Tallahassee | 3 | 2% | $106,482 |
| 7 | Alpharetta | 1 | 2% | $112,852 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 5 | 1% | $112,615 |
| 9 | Boston | 4 | 1% | $111,910 |
| 10 | Washington | 4 | 1% | $101,128 |
| 11 | Tampa | 2 | 1% | $105,809 |
| 12 | Chicago | 9 | 0% | $101,912 |
| 13 | Los Angeles | 4 | 0% | $129,484 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $102,384 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $105,841 |
| 16 | Raleigh | 2 | 0% | $111,701 |
| 17 | Sacramento | 2 | 0% | $142,410 |
| 18 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $106,376 |
Application Lead job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of application lead experts
Xavier University
The University of the South
University of North Alabama
King University
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
What Application Lead skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Adam Roth: I recommend that students start by identifying a specific skill in demand within your field, such as data analysis or social media marketing, and focus on developing expertise in that area. Research salary ranges and living costs in particular areas where you’re interested in working to ensure your compensation aligns with the local market. Always negotiate a salary and consider other aspects of the offer, such as funds for continuing education, technology and more. Continuing to network and establish demand for your services is essential; attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage with professionals in your field. Never miss an opportunity to reach out to and check in with your professional contacts. Pursue additional learning opportunities and education, such as certifications or advanced degrees, to provide a competitive advantage and increase your earning potential over time.
What will help Application Leads increase their earning potential?
Bradley Andrew Ph.D.: Once you have your first job, ask about or determine the 20% of your supervisor’s job that they hate and start doing that for them. They will love you for it and it will quickly get you recognition. You’ll also be well on your way to learning your boss’s job. Continue doing this as you progress in your career (Kudos to Theo Epstein, former GM for the Red Sox, for this recommendation)
No matter the task you’re given, do it to the absolute best of your abilities. In the professional world, you may often be given menial tasks or tasks that you don’t believe are part of your job description. Doing those tasks to the absolute best of your ability leads to increased trust, recognition and responsibility and will put you “above class.” If asked, the coffee you bring should be the best your boss has ever had. You never know who’s watching.
Don’t expect credit and don’t ask for credit when things go right; give the credit to others.
What will help Application Leads increase their earning potential?
Dr. DAWN TOLONEN MBA: For the near future concentrate on three areas, soft skills, critical thinking, and artificial intelligence (AI). Your technical skills helped you land the job, but it’s your soft skills that lead to promotion.
What Application Lead skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Prof. Kim Jovanovich P.E.: Attached please see the responses to your interview questions. I hope this sheds some light on the questions you asked!
What will help Application Leads increase their earning potential?
Joseph Taylor: The role of a Business Analyst can vary greatly from company to company, and even from department to department, so it is very important to look at the details of a particular position that you are applying for. One common factor from all Business Analyst is that they are generally expected to make sense of data, and to be effective communicators that can apply insights to real-world problems.
Jason Imbrogno Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of North Alabama
Department of Finance, Economics, and Data Analytics
What soft skills should all Application Leads possess?
Jason Imbrogno Ph.D.: Communication for sure, especially knowing how to write and present well.
Jason Caudill Ph.D.
Professor of BusinessKing University
Management Information Systems
What hard/technical skills are most important for Application Leads?
Jason Caudill Ph.D.: The number one technical skill for today's professionals is the ability to learn new systems. Regardless of expertise in a particular platform, there are going to be updates and changes, and different companies will likely be on different major platforms to perform the same functions. A strong foundation of technical skills in communications software, spreadsheets, and cloud applications will give someone the foundation they need to function in most modern workplaces, but the real skill is being able to translate that understanding of the architecture to multiple platforms so they can manage change.
What skills will help Application Leads earn the most?
Jason Caudill Ph.D.: I think the two most profitable skills will be communication and adaptability. Almost nothing happens in a vacuum, so to be successful, today's professionals have to be able to effectively collaborate with others in various departments and in other organizations. That can only happen with effective communication skills. Coupled with that is the fact that dynamic markets, shorter product lifespans, and longer careers are demanding that people change their skill sets and adapt to different markets more than they ever have before. The professional who can continuously adapt to the demands of the market, who is willing to add new skills over time as a lifelong learner, will be the most prepared to offer continued value to a company, which will result in higher earnings.
What experience really stands out on Application Lead resumes?
David Preece: Most employers look for indicators of character and "soft skills" related to leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, initiative, diligence, responsibility, and integrity. Naturally, each company and job position requires some minimal technical or functional capabilities, but many of those skills can be taught to new employees with strong potential. Character is more difficult, if not impossible, to develop in entry-level employees, and these soft skills are proven to impact organizational culture and productivity.