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Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant Salary in the United States

How much does an Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant in the United States is $159,410 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $77.

However, an Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $178,228
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $151,810 to $169,260
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $144,891
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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): $96,099
  • IT Systems Programmer III (4-7 years): $118,401
  • IT Systems Programmer IV (7+ years): $138,464
  • Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant (7-10 years): $159,406
  • Operating Systems Programming Manager (10+ years): $161,595
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Intermediate Operating Systems Programmer2-4 years$96,099
IT Systems Programmer III4-7 years$118,401
IT Systems Programmer IV7+ years$138,464
Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant7-10 years$159,406
Operating Systems Programming Manager10+ years$161,595
View as Graph

How Do Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Operating Systems Programmer - Consultants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $176,500.
  • California: $175,830.
  • Massachusetts: $173,490.

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: $201,060
  • San Francisco: $198,860
  • Oakland: $194,670

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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 3.33%
Data Processing 3.33%
Operating System 3.33%
See More Skills

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 $180,133
13%
Unix $175,351
10%
Computer Hardware $173,757
9%
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Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $178,147. While startup companies pay approximate $150,694.

Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $150,694
Growth Stage 51~500 $159,375
Established 501~5000 $172,024
Enterprise 5000+ $178,147

Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$199,262$96.025%
Financial Services$191,292$92.020%
Biotechnology$183,322$88.015%
Internet$183,322$88.015%
Energy & Utilities$175,351$84.010%

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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$151,810
Average $159,410/year
$169,260
$12,651
Average $13,284/month
$14,105
$2,919
Average $3,066/week
$3,255
$73
Average $77/hour
$81
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $169,260 $14,105 $3,255 $81
Average $159,410 $13,284 $3,066 $77
25th Percentile $151,810 $12,651 $2,919 $73

Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant Salary Growth & Career Path

Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant, 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 VI $191,700 20%
ERP Business Systems Integration Manager $143,900 -10%
Systems Infrastructure Engineering Supervisor $139,300 -13%
Operating Systems Programming Manager $161,600 1%

Most common benefits for Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant

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

Common company salaries for Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant

Here are companies hiring for Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Operating Systems Programmer - Consultant roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 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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