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Hourly Wage for IT Systems Programmer I Salary in the United States

What is the hourly salary range of IT Systems Programmer I?

As of September 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an IT Systems Programmer I in the United States is $38, which translates to an annual salary of about $79,500.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $44 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $35 to $41 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $32 per hour
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Paid Annually Paid Monthly Paid Semimonthly Paid Biweekly Paid Weekly Paid Hourly
View as table View as graph 25% $35 10% $32 90% $44 75% $41 $38 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

IT Systems Programmer I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $85,990 $7,166 $1,654 $41
Average $79,500 $6,625 $1,529 $38
25th Percentile $72,760 $6,063 $1,399 $35
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Key Factors That Influence IT Systems Programmer I Salaries

An IT Systems Programmer I'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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects IT Systems Programmer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an IT Systems Programmer I'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:

  • IT Systems Programmer I (0-2 years): $79,500
  • Intermediate Operating Systems Programmer (2-4 years): $96,099
  • IT Systems Programmer III (4-7 years): $118,401
  • IT Systems Programmer IV (7+ years): $138,464
  • IT Systems Programmer V (7-10 years): $159,406
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
IT Systems Programmer I0-2 years$79,500
Intermediate Operating Systems Programmer2-4 years$96,099
IT Systems Programmer III4-7 years$118,401
IT Systems Programmer IV7+ years$138,464
IT Systems Programmer V7-10 years$159,406
$79,500 IT System...
$96,099 Intermedi...
$118,401 IT System...
$138,464 IT System...
$159,406 IT System...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for IT Systems Programmer Is

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:

  • San Jose: $100,280
  • San Francisco: $99,180
  • Oakland: $97,090

What Skills Can Increase an IT Systems Programmer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 6.9% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 3.94% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Electrical Engineering (Mentioned in 2.3% Job Postings): Electrical engineering is a technical discipline concerned with the study, design and application of equipment, devices and systems which use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It emerged as an identified activity in the latter half of the 19th century after commercialization of the electric telegraph, the telephone, and electrical power generation, distribution and use. Electrical engineering is now divided into a wide range of fields including, computer engineering, power engineering, telecommunications, radio-frequency engineering, signal processing, instrumentation, and electronics. Many of these disciplines overlap with other engineering branches, spanning a huge number of specializations including hardware engineering, power electronics, electromagnetics and waves, microwave engineering, nanotechnology, electrochemistry, renewable energies, mechatronics, and electrical materials science. See glossary of electrical and electronics engineering.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 6.9%
Computer Science 3.94%
Electrical Engineering 2.3%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an IT Systems Programmer I's salary.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Hard Working: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Innovation
 $89,040
12%
Hard Working
 $86,655
9%
Collaboration
 $86,655
9%
Risk Management
 $86,655
9%
Leadership
 $85,860
8%
Initiative
 $85,860
8%
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IT Systems Programmer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

IT Systems Programmer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $88,845. While startup companies pay approximate $75,153.

IT Systems Programmer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$75,153
Growth Stage51~500$79,482
Established501~5000$85,791
Enterprise5000+$88,845

IT Systems Programmer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For IT Systems Programmer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, IT Systems Programmer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IT Systems Programmer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an IT Systems Programmer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$95,400$46.020%
Biotechnology$95,400$46.020%
Business Services$95,400$46.020%
Chemicals$95,400$46.020%
Construction$95,400$46.020%

How Education impacts an IT Systems Programmer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many IT Systems Programmer Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an IT Systems Programmer I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $69,565 and $74,647).

IT Systems Programmer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for IT Systems Programmer I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 35.7%
High School 35.7%
Associates 28.6%
Bachelors 28.6%
Masters 7.1%
Doctorate 0.0%
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IT Systems Programmer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an IT Systems Programmer I'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$72,760
Average $79,500/year
$85,990
$6,063
Average $6,625/month
$7,166
$1,399
Average $1,529/week
$1,654
$35
Average $38/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $85,990 $7,166 $1,654 $41
Average $79,500 $6,625 $1,529 $38
25th Percentile $72,760 $6,063 $1,399 $35

Salaries of jobs related to IT Systems Programmer I

Salary Trends for IT Systems Programmer I

Salaries for an IT Systems Programmer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $77,001 in 2023 to around $76,822 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of IT Systems Programmer I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of IT Systems Programmer I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$77,001
2024
$77,303
2025
$76,822
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $77,001
2024 $77,303
2025 $76,822
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for IT Systems Programmer I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for IT Systems Programmer I

Here are companies hiring for IT Systems Programmer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current IT Systems Programmer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States

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FAQ about IT Systems Programmer I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for IT Systems Programmer I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for IT Systems Programmer I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How much does a 2 year experience Software Developer earn in USA?

As of now, the salary for an Operating Systems Developer in the USA ranges from $68,100 to $85,580 annually, with a midpoint of $76,940. This translates to approximately $32.77 to $41.14 per hour, or about $1,300 to $1,600 per week. For a Software Developer with 2 years of experience, salaries may vary within this range.

3. What is the highest salary in software?

The highest salary for an Operating Systems Developer ranges up to $85,580 annually. This position offers a minimum salary of $68,100 and a mid-range salary of $76,940, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field.

4. What is the salary of 6 years experience iOS developer?

The salary for an Operating Systems Developer with 6 years of experience typically ranges from $68,100 to $85,580, with a mid-salary of $76,940. This reflects the competitive compensation in the tech industry for skilled developers.

5. How much does a systems developer earn in USA?

In the USA, the salary for an Operating Systems Developer ranges from $68,100 to $85,580 per year, with a mid-salary of $76,940. These figures reflect the typical earnings in this role, providing a clear picture of the compensation landscape for systems developers.

6. Can you work remotely as a Software Developer?

Yes, you can work remotely as a Software Developer. The industry is well-suited for flexible work arrangements, allowing developers to perform their tasks online. With salaries ranging from $68,100 to $85,580, there are numerous opportunities for remote positions, making it a viable long-term option for many professionals in the field.

7. How much does a developer earn in USA?

Operating Systems Developers in the USA earn between $68,100 and $85,580, with a median salary of approximately $76,940. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field, highlighting the potential for growth in earnings as developers advance in their careers.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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