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IT Systems Programmer III Salary in the United States

What is the salary range of an IT Systems Programmer III?

As of November 01, 2025, 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $132,828
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $108,200 to $126,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $98,822
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View as table View as graph 25% $108,200 10% $98,822 90% $132,828 75% $126,000 $118,500 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

IT Systems Programmer III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $126,000 $10,500 $2,423 $61
Average $118,500 $9,875 $2,279 $57
25th Percentile $108,200 $9,017 $2,081 $52
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Key Factors That Influence IT Systems Programmer III Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects IT Systems Programmer III Salaries?

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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $113,943
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $114,719
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $116,272
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $120,809
  • Expert (over 8 years): $122,797
Levels Salary
Entry Level IT Systems Programmer III $113,943
Intermediate Level IT Systems Programmer III $114,719
Senior Level IT Systems Programmer III $116,272
Specialist Level IT Systems Programmer III $120,809
Expert Level IT Systems Programmer III $122,797
$113,943 0 yr
$114,719 < 2 yrs
$116,272 2-4 yrs
$120,809 5-8 yrs
$122,797 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

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

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.

IT Systems Programmer III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for IT Systems Programmer III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 5.9%
High School 29.4%
Bachelors 41.2%
Masters 23.5%
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IT Systems Programmer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on November 01, 2025

Salary Trends for IT Systems Programmer IIIs

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, .

Average Annual Salary of IT Systems Programmer III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$116,660
2024
$116,860
2025
$115,562
2026
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $116,660
2024 $116,860
2025 $115,562
2026
View More

IT Systems Programmer III bonus and incentive rates

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 70.5%
Bonuses 1.7%
Social Security 5.5%
401k/403b 3.0%
Disability 1.4%
Healthcare 5.0%
Pension 3.9%
Time Off 8.9%
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Core Compensation
Median % of Total
Base Salary $118,500 70.5%
Bonus $2,900 1.7%
Value of Benefits
Median % of Total
Social Security $9,287 5.5%
401K/403B $5,099 3.0%
Disability $2,428 1.4%
Healthcare $8,352 5.0%
Pension $6,556 3.9%
Time Off $14,942 8.9%
Total Compensation $168,063 100%
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Most common benefits for IT Systems Programmer III

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

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FAQ about IT Systems Programmer III

1. How much does an OS developer get paid?

An Operating System Developer earns between $101,900 and $125,000 annually, with a median salary of $114,300. This translates to an average hourly rate of approximately $48.86. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.

2. What is a good salary range in USA?

A good salary range for an Operating Systems Developer in the USA is between $101,900 and $125,000 annually, with a mid-salary of $114,300. This reflects the specialized skills and expertise required in this field, which often exceeds the average salary figures reported by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

3. What is the salary of Windows operating system?

The estimated total pay for a Windows Operating Systems Developer ranges from $101,900 to $125,000 per year, with a mid-salary of $114,300. This reflects the competitive compensation for professionals in this field, highlighting the value of their expertise in developing and maintaining operating systems.

4. What is the salary of operating system developer?

The salary of an Operating Systems Developer typically ranges from $101,900 to $125,000, with a mid-point salary of $114,300. This reflects the compensation for professionals in this field, highlighting the potential earnings based on experience and expertise.

5. What's the highest paid software engineer?

The highest paid software engineers are typically Operating Systems Developers, with a maximum salary reaching $125,000. The salary range for this role starts at a minimum of $101,900, with a mid-level salary around $114,300. This reflects the demand and expertise required in developing and maintaining operating systems.

6. What is the average salary for an OS?

The average salary for an Operating Systems Developer is approximately $113,300 per year, with a range from $101,900 to $125,000. This data reflects the compensation for professionals in this field, highlighting a competitive salary structure.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

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