As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Systems Programmer I in the United States is $79,490 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an IT Systems Programmer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
Smart Recruiting
AI-Powered HR
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| IT Systems Programmer I | 0-2 years | $79,483 |
| Intermediate Operating Systems Programmer | 2-4 years | $96,150 |
| IT Systems Programmer III | 4-7 years | $118,443 |
| IT Systems Programmer IV | 7+ years | $138,449 |
| IT Systems Programmer V | 7-10 years | $159,381 |
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 IT Systems Programmer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.9% |
| Computer Science | 3.94% |
| Electrical Engineering | 2.3% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Innovation
|
$89,029 |
12%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$86,644 |
9%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$86,644 |
9%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$86,644 |
9%
|
|
Leadership
|
$85,849 |
8%
|
|
Initiative
|
$85,849 |
8%
|
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
| 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% |
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.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an IT Systems Programmer I, 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 | $109,700 | 38% |
| Enterprise Applications Developer II | $103,300 | 30% |
| Enterprise Systems Engineer II | $101,600 | 28% |
| Intermediate Operating Systems Programmer | $96,200 | 21% |
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, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $77,001 |
| 2024 | $77,303 |
| 2025 | $76,822 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for IT Systems Programmer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
