As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Systems Programmer III in the United States is $118,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, an IT Systems Programmer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
IT Systems Programmer III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $125,900 | $10,492 | $2,421 | $61 |
| Average | $118,500 | $9,875 | $2,279 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,200 | $9,017 | $2,081 | $52 |
An IT Systems Programmer III'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 III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Operating Systems Programmer | 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 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.9% |
| Computer Science | 3.94% |
| Electrical Engineering | 2.3% |
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 III's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Computerized Maintenance Management System | $125,610 | |
| Software Development | $124,425 | |
| Coordination | $123,240 |
IT Systems Programmer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $132,429. While startup companies pay approximate $112,021.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $112,021 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $118,474 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $127,877 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $132,429 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many IT Systems Programmer IIIs 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 III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $106,891 and $113,684).
| Typical Education for IT Systems Programmer III | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 5.9% |
| High School | 29.4% |
| Associates | 41.2% |
| Bachelors | 41.2% |
| Masters | 23.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an IT Systems Programmer III'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 | $125,900 | $10,492 | $2,421 | $61 |
| Average | $118,500 | $9,875 | $2,279 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,200 | $9,017 | $2,081 | $52 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an IT Systems Programmer III, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Systems Applications Developer IV | $143,200 | 21% |
| Enterprise Applications Developer IV | $149,200 | 26% |
| Enterprise Systems Engineer IV | $144,300 | 22% |
| IT Systems Programmer IV | $138,500 | 17% |
Salaries for an IT Systems Programmer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $116,660 in 2023 to around $115,562 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of IT Systems Programmer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $116,660 |
| 2024 | $116,860 |
| 2025 | $115,562 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for IT Systems Programmer III roles, with salaries approximately 100% above the market median.
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