As of March 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:
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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 | $79,480 |
| Intermediate Operating Systems Programmer | 2-4 years | $96,159 |
| IT Systems Programmer III | 4-7 years | $118,450 |
| IT Systems Programmer IV | 7+ years | $138,446 |
| IT Systems Programmer V | 7-10 years | $159,377 |
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 IIIs. 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Computerized Maintenance Management System
|
$125,610 |
6%
|
|
Software Development
|
$124,425 |
5%
|
|
Coordination
|
$123,240 |
4%
|
|
KPI
|
$123,240 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$122,055 |
3%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$122,055 |
3%
|
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
| 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.
Last Updated on March 01, 2026Promotions 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 | $149,100 | 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 |
View More
|
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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.
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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.
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.)
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