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IT Systems Programmer III Salary in the United States

How much does an IT Systems Programmer III make in the United States?

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $132,637
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $108,200 to $125,900
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $98,822

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 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 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
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Operating Systems Programmer0-2 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

Top Paying Cities for IT Systems Programmer IIIs

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: $149,400
  • San Francisco: $147,800
  • Oakland: $144,600

What Skills Can Increase an IT Systems Programmer III'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.
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 III's salary.

  • Computerized Maintenance Management System: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Software Development: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Computerized Maintenance Management System $125,610
6%
Software Development $124,425
5%
Coordination $123,240
4%

IT Systems Programmer III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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.

IT Systems Programmer III Salary by Company Size

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

IT Systems Programmer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For IT Systems Programmer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 200% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 100% above the average. In contrast, IT Systems Programmer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IT Systems Programmer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an IT Systems Programmer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$237,000$114.0100%

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%
Associates 41.2%
Bachelors 41.2%
Masters 23.5%
Doctorate 0.0%

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 September 01, 2026
$108,200
Average $118,500/year
$125,900
$9,017
Average $9,875/month
$10,492
$2,081
Average $2,279/week
$2,421
$52
Average $57/hour
$61
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

IT Systems Programmer III Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

IT Systems Programmer III Salary Growth and Career Path
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%

Most common benefits for IT Systems Programmer III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for IT Systems Programmer III

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

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FAQ about IT Systems Programmer III

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

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for IT Systems Programmer III roles, with salaries approximately 100% above the market median.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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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