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Software Operating Systems Development - Entry Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Operating Systems Development - Entry make in the United States?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Operating Systems Development - Entry in the United States is $79,830 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

However, a Software Operating Systems Development - Entry's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $92,267
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $73,070 to $86,340
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $66,915
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Paid Annually Paid Monthly Paid Semimonthly Paid Biweekly Paid Weekly Paid Hourly
View as table View as graph 25% $73,070 10% $66,915 90% $92,267 75% $86,340 $79,830 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Operating Systems Development - Entry Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $86,340 $7,195 $1,660 $42
Average $79,830 $6,653 $1,535 $38
25th Percentile $73,070 $6,089 $1,405 $35
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Key Factors That Influence Software Operating Systems Development - Entry Salaries

A Software Operating Systems Development - Entry'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Software Operating Systems Development - Entry Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Operating Systems Development - Entry'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:

  • Software Operating Systems Development - Entry (0-2 years): $79,829
  • Intermediate Software Systems Developer (2-4 years): $109,700
  • Senior Software Systems Developer (4-7 years): $128,719
  • Systems Applications Developer IV (7+ years): $143,154
  • Systems Applications Developer V (7-10 years): $165,928
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Operating Systems Development - Entry0-2 years$79,829
Intermediate Software Systems Developer2-4 years$109,700
Senior Software Systems Developer4-7 years$128,719
Systems Applications Developer IV7+ years$143,154
Systems Applications Developer V7-10 years$165,928
$79,829 Software ...
$109,700 Intermedi...
$128,719 Senior So...
$143,154 Systems A...
$165,928 Systems A...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Software Operating Systems Development - Entry 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 Software Operating Systems Development - Entries. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $88,390.
  • California: $88,060.
  • Massachusetts: $86,880.

Top Paying Cities for Software Operating Systems Development - Entries

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: $100,690
  • San Francisco: $99,590
  • Oakland: $97,490

What Skills Can Increase a Software Operating Systems Development - Entry's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Risk Management (Mentioned in 4.09% Job Postings): Risk management is the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of risks (defined in ISO 31000 as the effect of uncertainty on objectives) followed by coordinated and economical application of resources to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events or to maximize the realization of opportunities. Risks can come from various sources including uncertainty in financial markets, threats from project failures (at any phase in design, development, production, or sustainment life-cycles), legal liabilities, credit risk, accidents, natural causes and disasters, deliberate attack from an adversary, or events of uncertain or unpredictable root-cause. There are two types of events i.e. negative events can be classified as risks while positive events are classified as opportunities. Several risk management standards have been developed including the Project Management Institute, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, actuarial societies, and ISO standards. Methods, definitions and goals vary widely according to whether the risk management method is in the context of project management, security, engineering, industrial processes, financial portfolios, actuarial assessments, or public health and safety.
  • Operating System (Mentioned in 2.44% Job Postings): Maintaining software that runs on a computer that serves as an interface between computer hardware components and the user.
  • ISO (Mentioned in 2.05% Job Postings): The International Organization for Standardization is an international standard development organization composed of representatives from the national standards organizations of member countries.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Risk Management 4.09%
Operating System 2.44%
ISO 2.05%
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 a Software Operating Systems Development - Entry's salary.
  • Application Security: Can increase your salary by up to 29%.
  • Virtualization: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Information Security: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Application Security
 $102,981
29%
Virtualization
 $90,208
13%
Information Security
 $88,611
11%
ISO
 $85,418
7%
Operating System
 $84,620
6%
Program Management
 $84,620
6%
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Software Operating Systems Development - Entry Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Operating Systems Development - Entry'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
$73,070
Average $79,830/year
$86,340
$6,089
Average $6,653/month
$7,195
$1,405
Average $1,535/week
$1,660
$35
Average $38/hour
$42
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $86,340 $7,195 $1,660 $42
Average $79,830 $6,653 $1,535 $38
25th Percentile $73,070 $6,089 $1,405 $35

Software Operating Systems Development - Entry Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Operating Systems Development - Entry
Intermediate Software Systems Developer
Enterprise Applications Developer II
Enterprise Systems Engineer II
Intermediate Operating Systems Programmer
SVP of Systems Applications Development
ERP Business Systems Integration Manager
Enterprise Systems Engineer III
IT Systems Programmer III

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Operating Systems Development - Entry, 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.

Software Operating Systems Development - Entry Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Intermediate Software Systems Developer $109,700 37%
Enterprise Applications Developer II $103,300 29%
Enterprise Systems Engineer II $101,600 27%
Intermediate Operating Systems Programmer $96,200 21%

Salaries of jobs related to Software Operating Systems Development - Entry

Salary Trends for Software Operating Systems Development - Entry

Salaries for a Software Operating Systems Development - Entry can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $77,001 in 2023 to around $76,822 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Operating Systems Development - Entry salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Software Operating Systems Development - Entry Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$77,001
2024
$77,303
2025
$76,822
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $77,001
2024 $77,303
2025 $76,822
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Software Operating Systems Development - Entry

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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FAQ about Software Operating Systems Development - Entry

1. How do I become an operating system developer?

To become an Operating System Developer, pursue a degree in Computer Science or a related field, focusing on Operating Systems, Computer Architecture, System Programming, Data Structures, and Assembly. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries ranging from $71,460 to $88,820, with a median salary of $79,190. Advanced degrees may enhance your prospects.

2. What is the salary of operating system developer?

The salary for an entry-level Software Operating Systems Developer ranges from $71,460 to $88,820, with a median salary of $79,190. This reflects the typical earnings for professionals in this field, varying based on experience and location.

3. How much does an OS developer get paid?

An Operating System Developer can expect to earn between $71,460 and $88,820 annually, with a median salary of approximately $79,190. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from about $34.34 to $42.66, depending on experience and location.

4. What is the minimum salary of a software developer in USA?

The minimum salary for a Software Operating Systems Developer in the USA is $71,460. The average salary is around $79,190, with a maximum salary reaching $88,820. This reflects the entry-level compensation in this specialized field, which can vary based on experience and location.

5. Can software developers work from home?

Yes, software developers can work from home. In fact, a significant majority are doing so, with 83.59% of developers in the 2023 Stack Overflow Developer Survey indicating they work remotely, either fully (41.41%) or in a hybrid model (42.18%). With entry-level salaries ranging from $71,460 to $88,820, remote opportunities are increasingly attractive.

6. Do you need a degree to be a software developer?

In short, no—you do not need a degree to become a software developer. While a Computer Science degree is a common route, many self-taught engineers and bootcamp graduates successfully enter the field. Entry-level positions in Software Operating Systems Development typically offer salaries ranging from $71,460 to $88,820, with a mid-salary of $79,190.

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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