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Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I Salary in the United States

How much does an Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I in the United States is $79,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $91,817
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $72,790 to $85,990
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $66,599
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I Salaries

An Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I'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 Solutions Programmer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I'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:

  • Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I (0-2 years): $79,503
  • 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
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I0-2 years$79,503
Intermediate Operating Systems Programmer2-4 years$96,089
IT Systems Programmer III4-7 years$118,393
IT Systems Programmer IV7+ years$138,468
IT Systems Programmer V7-10 years$159,411
View as Graph

How Do Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I 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 Solutions Programmer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $88,090.
  • California: $87,690.
  • Massachusetts: $86,590.

Top Paying Cities for Operating Systems Solutions Programmer Is

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: $100,290
  • San Francisco: $99,190
  • Oakland: $97,090

What Skills Can Increase an Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 6.9% 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.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 3.94% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Electrical Engineering (Mentioned in 2.3% Job Postings): Electrical engineering is a technical discipline concerned with the study, design and application of equipment, devices and systems which use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It emerged as an identified activity in the latter half of the 19th century after commercialization of the electric telegraph, the telephone, and electrical power generation, distribution and use. Electrical engineering is now divided into a wide range of fields including, computer engineering, power engineering, telecommunications, radio-frequency engineering, signal processing, instrumentation, and electronics. Many of these disciplines overlap with other engineering branches, spanning a huge number of specializations including hardware engineering, power electronics, electromagnetics and waves, microwave engineering, nanotechnology, electrochemistry, renewable energies, mechatronics, and electrical materials science. See glossary of electrical and electronics engineering.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 6.9%
Computer Science 3.94%
Electrical Engineering 2.3%
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 Solutions Programmer I's salary.

  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Hard Working: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Innovation $89,141
12%
Hard Working $86,753
9%
Collaboration $86,753
9%
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Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $88,854. While startup companies pay approximate $75,237.

Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $75,237
Growth Stage 51~500 $79,553
Established 501~5000 $85,795
Enterprise 5000+ $88,854

Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Operating Systems Solutions Programmer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$95,508$46.020%
Biotechnology$95,508$46.020%
Business Services$95,508$46.020%
Chemicals$95,508$46.020%
Construction$95,508$46.020%

How Education impacts an Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Operating Systems Solutions Programmer Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Solutions Programmer I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $69,627 and $74,691).

Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 35.7%
High School 35.7%
Associates 28.6%
Bachelors 28.6%
Masters 7.1%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I'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 October 01, 2026
$72,790
Average $79,590/year
$85,990
$6,066
Average $6,633/month
$7,166
$1,400
Average $1,531/week
$1,654
$35
Average $38/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $85,990 $7,166 $1,654 $41
Average $79,590 $6,633 $1,531 $38
25th Percentile $72,790 $6,066 $1,400 $35

Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I, 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
Intermediate Software Systems Developer $109,800 38%
Enterprise Applications Developer II $103,300 30%
Enterprise Systems Engineer II $101,600 28%
Intermediate Operating Systems Programmer $96,100 21%

Most common benefits for Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I

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

Common company salaries for Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I

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

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FAQ about Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Operating Systems Solutions Programmer I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What is the future of OS?

The future of operating systems in home computing will focus on enhancing user experiences, optimizing hardware utilization, and addressing the growing demand for distributed computing models. As the industry evolves, professionals in this field can expect salaries ranging from $68,090 to $85,590, with a median salary of $76,990, reflecting the increasing value of their expertise.

3. How much does a 2 year experience Software Developer earn in USA?

As of now, a Software Developer with 2 years of experience can expect to earn between $68,090 and $85,590 annually in the USA, with a mid-salary of approximately $76,990. This translates to an hourly rate of about $32.73 to $41.14, or roughly $1,200 to $1,800 per week.

4. Are OS developers in demand?

Operating system developers are in high demand in the software industry due to their expertise in managing complex systems. With salaries ranging from $68,090 to $85,590, these professionals play a crucial role in developing and maintaining essential software, making their skills highly sought after.

5. Which software developer has highest salary in USA?

The highest paying software developer roles in the USA include positions like Full Stack Developer, with an average salary of $114,395, and DevOps Engineer, averaging $119,350. In comparison, an Operating Systems Solutions Developer has a salary range from $68,090 to $85,590, with a mid-salary of $76,990, which is significantly lower than these top roles.

6. What is the highest salary in software?

The highest salary for an Operating Systems Solutions Developer is $85,590 annually. This role offers a minimum salary of $68,090 and a mid-range salary of $76,990, reflecting the growing demand for expertise in operating systems within the software industry.

7. What is the salary of Windows operating system?

The estimated total pay for a Windows Operating Systems Solutions Developer ranges from $68,090 to $85,590 per year, with an average salary of approximately $76,990 per year.

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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