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Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead Salary in the United States

How much does an Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead make in the United States?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead in the United States is $138,460 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $153,839
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $130,190 to $146,510
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $122,661
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View as table View as graph 25% $130,190 10% $122,661 90% $153,839 75% $146,510 $138,460 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $146,510 $12,209 $2,818 $70
Average $138,460 $11,538 $2,663 $67
25th Percentile $130,190 $10,849 $2,504 $63
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Key Factors That Influence Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead Salaries

An Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead'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 Project Lead Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead'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
  • Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead (7+ years): $138,452
  • IT Systems Programmer V (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
Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead7+ years$138,452
IT Systems Programmer V7-10 years$159,386
Operating Systems Programming Manager10+ years$161,495
$96,140 Intermedi...
$118,435 IT System...
$138,452 Operating...
$159,386 IT System...
$161,495 Operating...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead 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 Project Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $153,300.
  • California: $152,720.
  • Massachusetts: $150,680.

Top Paying Cities for Operating Systems Programmer Project Leads

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: $174,630
  • San Francisco: $172,720
  • Oakland: $169,080

What Skills Can Increase an Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead'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 Project Lead's salary.
  • Staff Training: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • System Maintenance: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Staff Training
 $150,921
9%
System Maintenance
 $149,537
8%
Presentation
 $145,383
5%
Planning
 $145,383
5%
Computer Hardware
 $143,998
4%
Linux System
 $143,998
4%
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How Education impacts an Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Operating Systems Programmer Project Leads 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 Project Lead with a Associate's Degree is between $129,475 and $136,411).

Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead
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%
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Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead'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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on May 01, 2026
$130,190
Average $138,460/year
$146,510
$10,849
Average $11,538/month
$12,209
$2,504
Average $2,663/week
$2,818
$63
Average $67/hour
$70
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $146,510 $12,209 $2,818 $70
Average $138,460 $11,538 $2,663 $67
25th Percentile $130,190 $10,849 $2,504 $63

Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead Salary Growth & Career Path

Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead
Systems Applications Developer V
ERP Business Systems Integration Manager
Enterprise Systems Engineer V
IT Systems Programmer V
SVP of Systems Applications Development
Enterprise Applications Development Senior Manager
Systems Infrastructure Engineering Supervisor
Operating Systems Programming Manager

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead, 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.

Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead Salary Growth and Career Path
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 of jobs related to Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead

Salary Trends for Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead

Salaries for an Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead 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 Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$130,793
2024
$131,279
2025
$130,053
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $130,793
2024 $131,279
2025 $130,053
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead

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

1. What is the average salary in the US for an Operations Manager?

The average salary for an Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead in the US ranges from $124,040 to $149,240, with a midpoint of $136,830. This reflects the competitive nature of the role, highlighting the importance of expertise in operating systems and programming leadership.

2. What is the salary of operating system engineer?

The estimated total pay for an Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead ranges from $124,040 to $149,240 annually, with a median salary of $136,830. These figures reflect the midpoint of the salary range based on collected data, providing a comprehensive overview of compensation in this role.

3. What is operation lead job?

The Operations Lead is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing operations processes and systems to ensure high efficiency and customer satisfaction. This role demands excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to lead a team. The salary for this position ranges from $124,040 to $149,240, with a midpoint of $136,830.

4. What is the salary of operating system developer?

The salary for an Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead ranges from ₹12.4 lakhs to ₹14.9 lakhs, with an average salary of ₹13.7 lakhs. This reflects the compensation for professionals in this role, highlighting the potential earnings based on experience and expertise in operating systems.

5. How much does a software project lead make in Germany?

The salary for an Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead in Germany ranges from €124,040 to €149,240 annually, with a midpoint of €136,830. This is significantly higher than the average gross salary for IT project managers, which typically falls between €65,000 and €80,000 per year.

6. How much does a software project leader earn?

A software project leader earns between $124,040 and $149,240 annually, with a mid-salary of $136,830. This range reflects the compensation for roles similar to an Operating Systems Programmer Project Lead, considering experience levels from 5 to 15 years. Salary estimates are based on industry data.

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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