As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Systems Programmer IV in the United States is $138,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.
However, an IT Systems Programmer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
IT Systems Programmer IV Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $146,600 | $12,217 | $2,819 | $70 |
| Average | $138,500 | $11,542 | $2,663 | $67 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,300 | $10,858 | $2,506 | $63 |
An IT Systems Programmer IV'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 IV'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Operating Systems Programmer | 2-4 years | $96,089 |
| IT Systems Programmer III | 4-7 years | $118,393 |
| IT Systems Programmer IV | 7+ years | $138,468 |
| IT Systems Programmer V | 7-10 years | $159,411 |
| Operating Systems Programming Manager | 10+ years | $161,620 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.33% |
| Data Processing | 3.33% |
| Operating System | 3.33% |
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 IV's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Staff Training | $150,965 | |
| System Maintenance | $149,580 | |
| Presentation | $145,425 |
IT Systems Programmer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $154,621. While startup companies pay approximate $130,925.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $130,925 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $138,436 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $149,299 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $154,621 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many IT Systems Programmer IVs enter the field with a Associate's Degree 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 IV with a Associate's Degree is between $129,513 and $136,475).
| Typical Education for IT Systems Programmer IV | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 12.5% |
| High School | 12.5% |
| Associates | 8.3% |
| Bachelors | 37.5% |
| Masters | 29.2% |
| Doctorate | 12.5% |
Understanding how an IT Systems Programmer IV'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 | $146,600 | $12,217 | $2,819 | $70 |
| Average | $138,500 | $11,542 | $2,663 | $67 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,300 | $10,858 | $2,506 | $63 |
Next Role
Advancement
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an IT Systems Programmer IV, 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 V | $166,000 | 20% |
| ERP Business Systems Integration Manager | $143,900 | 4% |
| Enterprise Systems Engineer V | $165,300 | 19% |
| IT Systems Programmer V | $159,500 | 15% |
Salaries for an IT Systems Programmer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $130,793 in 2023 to around $130,053 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of IT Systems Programmer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $130,793 |
| 2024 | $131,279 |
| 2025 | $130,053 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for IT Systems Programmer IV roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
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