As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Operating Systems Programmer in California is $87,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, an Entry Operating Systems Programmer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Entry Operating Systems Programmer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $94,800 | $7,900 | $1,823 | $46 |
| Average | $87,700 | $7,308 | $1,687 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,200 | $6,683 | $1,542 | $39 |
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An Entry Operating Systems Programmer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Operating Systems Programmer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Entry Operating Systems Programmer | $87,129 |
| Intermediate Level Entry Operating Systems Programmer | $87,903 |
| Senior Level Entry Operating Systems Programmer | $89,508 |
| Specialist Level Entry Operating Systems Programmer | $89,829 |
| Expert Level Entry Operating Systems Programmer | $90,043 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Operating Systems Programmers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how an Entry Operating Systems Programmer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $94,800 | $7,900 | $1,823 | $46 |
| Average | $87,700 | $7,308 | $1,687 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,200 | $6,683 | $1,542 | $39 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Operating Systems Programmer, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Software Systems Developer | $121,000 | 38% |
| Enterprise Applications Developer II | $114,000 | 30% |
| Enterprise Systems Engineer II | $112,100 | 28% |
| Intermediate Operating Systems Programmer | $106,100 | 21% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Operating Systems Programmer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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