upper level job

Systems Simulation Engineer IV Salary in the United States

How much does a Systems Simulation Engineer IV make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems Simulation Engineer IV in the United States is $144,560 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $70.

However, a Systems Simulation Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $162,518
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $135,900 to $153,960
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $128,016

Key Factors That Influence Systems Simulation Engineer IV Salaries

A Systems Simulation Engineer IV'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 Systems Simulation Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Systems Simulation Engineer IV'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:

  • Modeling & Simulation Engineer I (0-2 years): $78,361
  • Modeling & Simulation Engineer II (2-4 years): $93,758
  • Modeling & Simulation Engineer III (4-7 years): $118,662
  • Systems Simulation Engineer IV (7+ years): $144,552
  • Modeling & Simulation Engineer V (7-10 years): $173,924
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Modeling & Simulation Engineer I0-2 years$78,361
Modeling & Simulation Engineer II2-4 years$93,758
Modeling & Simulation Engineer III4-7 years$118,662
Systems Simulation Engineer IV7+ years$144,552
Modeling & Simulation Engineer V7-10 years$173,924

Top Paying Cities for Systems Simulation Engineer IVs

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: $182,330
  • San Francisco: $180,330
  • Oakland: $176,530

Systems Simulation Engineer IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Systems Simulation Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $161,552. While startup companies pay approximate $136,656.

Systems Simulation Engineer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $136,656
Growth Stage 51~500 $144,528
Established 501~5000 $155,999
Enterprise 5000+ $161,552

Systems Simulation Engineer IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Systems Simulation Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Systems Simulation Engineer positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Systems Simulation Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Systems Simulation Engineer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$195,156$94.035%
Pharmaceuticals$187,928$90.030%
Financial Services$180,700$87.025%
Energy & Utilities$173,472$83.020%
Aerospace & Defense$166,244$80.015%

Systems Simulation Engineer IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Systems Simulation Engineer IV'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
$135,900
Average $144,560/year
$153,960
$11,325
Average $12,047/month
$12,830
$2,613
Average $2,780/week
$2,961
$65
Average $70/hour
$74
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $153,960 $12,830 $2,961 $74
Average $144,560 $12,047 $2,780 $70
25th Percentile $135,900 $11,325 $2,613 $65

Systems Simulation Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Systems Simulation Engineer IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Modeling & Simulation Engineer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $174,000 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Systems Simulation Engineer IV

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

Common company salaries for Systems Simulation Engineer IV

Here are companies hiring for Systems Simulation Engineer IV and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Systems Simulation Engineer IV Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Systems Simulation Engineer IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Systems Simulation Engineer IV

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Systems Simulation Engineer IV?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Systems Simulation Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.

2. What is the salary of simulation engineer?

Employees as Systems Simulation Engineers earn an average salary of $154,890, with a range from a minimum of $140,930 to a maximum of $169,840 per year. The top earners in this field can expect to make significantly more, reflecting their expertise and experience.

3. How much do simulation engineers make at Tesla?

The estimated salary range for a Systems Simulation Engineer is between $140,930 and $169,840 per year, with a mid-salary of $154,890. This reflects the base salary and does not include additional compensation. For more accurate insights, consider connecting with other professionals in the field.

4. How much do simulation engineers make in the US?

As of now, the salary for a Systems Simulation Engineer in the United States ranges from a minimum of $140,930 to a maximum of $169,840, with a median salary of $154,890. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, highlighting the value of expertise in simulation engineering.

5. How do I become a software engineer IV?

To become a Software Engineer IV, pursue a degree in Computer Science or a related field. Enhance your programming skills, focusing on data structures and algorithms. Build software projects to showcase your abilities. Gain experience through internships and actively seek job opportunities. Salaries for Systems Simulation Engineers range from $140,930 to $169,840, with a median of $154,890.

6. Do engineers make 500k a year?

Engineers, specifically Systems Simulation Engineers, typically earn between $140,930 and $169,840 annually, with a median salary of $154,890. This is significantly lower than $500,000 per year. While some specialized roles or senior positions may approach higher salaries, the average for this field does not reach that level.

7. Who is the highest paid IT engineer?

The highest paid IT engineer role is the Systems Simulation Engineer, with a maximum annual salary of $169,840. The salary range for this position starts at $140,930, with a mid-level salary of $154,890, reflecting the demand and expertise required in this specialized field.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job