As of July 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:
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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 | $96,119 |
| IT Systems Programmer III | 4-7 years | $118,418 |
| IT Systems Programmer IV | 7+ years | $138,458 |
| IT Systems Programmer V | 7-10 years | $159,396 |
| Operating Systems Programming Manager | 10+ years | $161,545 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.33% |
| Data Processing | 3.33% |
| Operating System | 3.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Staff Training
|
$150,965 |
9%
|
|
System Maintenance
|
$149,580 |
8%
|
|
Presentation
|
$145,425 |
5%
|
|
Planning
|
$145,425 |
5%
|
|
Computer Hardware
|
$144,040 |
4%
|
|
Linux System
|
$144,040 |
4%
|
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 $154,911. While startup companies pay approximate $131,009.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $131,009 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $138,562 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $149,596 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $154,911 |
For IT Systems Programmer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, IT Systems Programmer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IT Systems Programmer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $152,350 | $73.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $152,350 | $73.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $152,350 | $73.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $152,350 | $73.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $152,350 | $73.0 | 10% |
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).
IT Systems Programmer IV Salaries by Degree Level
| 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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions 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 | $143,800 | 4% |
| Enterprise Systems Engineer V | $165,300 | 19% |
| IT Systems Programmer V | $159,400 | 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 |
View More
|
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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.
The average salary for an Operating Systems Developer in the USA ranges from $124,100 to $149,300 per year. The midpoint salary is approximately $136,900. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, with salaries varying based on experience and location.
Yes, system developers are in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 140,100 openings for software developers annually over the next decade. This includes positions for Operating Systems Developers, with salaries ranging from $124,100 to $149,300, reflecting the need for skilled professionals in the field as many workers retire or change careers.
The highest paying software developer role in the USA is an Operating Systems Developer, with a salary range of $124,100 to $149,300. The average salary is approximately $136,900, making it one of the top positions in the software development field, surpassing many other roles such as Full Stack Developer and Data Scientist.
An Operating System Developer earns between $124,100 and $149,300 annually, with a median salary of $136,900. This translates to an average hourly rate of approximately $48.86. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.
The minimum salary for an Operating Systems Developer in the USA is $124,100. The average salary is around $136,900, with a maximum salary reaching $149,300. This reflects the competitive nature of the software development field, highlighting the value of specialized skills in operating systems.
The salary for an Operating Systems Developer at Apple typically ranges from $124,100 to $149,300 annually. The average salary is around $136,900. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced developers can earn towards the higher end of this range.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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