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Hourly Wage for Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant Salary in the United States

What is the highest and lowest hourly pay for Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant?

As of May 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant in the United States is $77, which translates to an annual salary of about $159,390.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $86 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $73 to $81 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $70 per hour
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View as table View as graph 25% $73 10% $70 90% $86 75% $81 $77 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $169,240 $14,103 $3,255 $81
Average $159,390 $13,283 $3,065 $77
25th Percentile $151,800 $12,650 $2,919 $73
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Key Factors That Influence Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant Salaries

An Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant'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 Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant'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:

  • Intermediate Operating Systems Programmer (2-4 years): $96,140
  • IT Systems Programmer III (4-7 years): $118,435
  • IT Systems Programmer IV (7+ years): $138,452
  • Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant (7-10 years): $159,386
  • Operating Systems Programming Manager (10+ years): $161,495
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Intermediate Operating Systems Programmer2-4 years$96,140
IT Systems Programmer III4-7 years$118,435
IT Systems Programmer IV7+ years$138,452
Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant7-10 years$159,386
Operating Systems Programming Manager10+ years$161,495
$96,140 Intermedi...
$118,435 IT System...
$138,452 IT System...
$159,386 Operating...
$161,495 Operating...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Operating Systems Programmer - Consultants

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: $201,040
  • San Francisco: $198,840
  • Oakland: $194,650

What Skills Can Increase an Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 3.33% 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.
  • Data Processing (Mentioned in 3.33% Job Postings): Data processing is the collection and manipulation of data to produce meaningful information. Data processing is a form of information processing, which is the modification of information in any manner detectable by an observer.
  • Operating System (Mentioned in 3.33% Job Postings): Maintaining software that runs on a computer that serves as an interface between computer hardware components and the user.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 3.33%
Data Processing 3.33%
Operating System 3.33%
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 Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant's salary.
  • Configuration Management: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Unix: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Computer Hardware: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Configuration Management
 $180,111
13%
Unix
 $175,329
10%
Computer Hardware
 $173,735
9%
Linux
 $172,141
8%
Remote Management
 $170,547
7%
Computer Engineering
 $170,547
7%
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How Education impacts an Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Operating Systems Programmer - Consultants 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 Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant with a Associate's Degree is between $158,989 and $166,581).

Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 15.4%
High School 15.4%
Associates 10.8%
Bachelors 49.2%
Masters 23.1%
Doctorate 1.5%
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Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on May 01, 2026
$151,800
Average $159,390/year
$169,240
$12,650
Average $13,283/month
$14,103
$2,919
Average $3,065/week
$3,255
$73
Average $77/hour
$81
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $169,240 $14,103 $3,255 $81
Average $159,390 $13,283 $3,065 $77
25th Percentile $151,800 $12,650 $2,919 $73

Salaries of jobs related to Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant

Salary Trends for Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant

Salaries for an Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $153,943 in 2023 to around $150,124 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$153,943
2024
$152,013
2025
$150,124
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $153,943
2024 $152,013
2025 $150,124
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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FAQ about Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant

1. How much do software consultants make in the US?

Software consultants in the US typically earn between $154,480 and $183,340 annually, with a median salary around $168,350. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field, providing a competitive compensation structure for professionals in this role.

2. What is the role of IT operations Consultant?

An IT Operations Consultant is a skilled professional who offers strategic guidance on leveraging technology to meet business objectives. They assess client needs, oversee IT projects, resolve technical challenges, and deliver training and support. The salary for this role ranges from $154,480 to $183,340, with a midpoint of $168,350, reflecting the expertise required in this field.

3. What is AZ OS system programmer?

z/OS system programmers are responsible for the installation and configuration of the z/OS operating system, tailoring hardware resources and system parameters to meet enterprise requirements. This critical role ensures a stable and efficient mainframe environment. The salary for this position ranges from $154,480 to $183,340, with a midpoint of $168,350.

4. What is the salary of a Computer Programmer consultant?

The salary of an Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant typically ranges from $154,480 to $183,340 annually, with a mid-salary of $168,350. Factors such as location, education, and experience can influence these figures. This role often commands higher salaries in tech-centric regions like California.

5. How much does an OS developer get paid?

An Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant earns between $154,480 and $183,340 annually, with a median salary of $168,350. This translates to an hourly rate of approximately $74.34 to $88.05, depending on experience and location.

6. Do software consultants make a lot of money?

Software consultants can earn substantial salaries. For an Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant, the salary ranges from a minimum of $154,480 to a maximum of $183,340, with a mid-salary of $168,350. This indicates that experienced consultants in this field can command competitive compensation, reflecting their expertise and the demand for their skills.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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