As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Support Engineer III in the United States is $113,167 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.
However, a Software Support Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Support Engineer III'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Support Engineer III'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Support Engineer I | 0-2 years | $69,470 |
| Software Support Engineer II | 2-4 years | $83,301 |
| Software Support Engineer III | 4-7 years | $113,167 |
| Software Support Manager | 7+ years | $127,282 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Support Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.87% |
| Java | 3.57% |
| KPI | 2.61% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Scripting Language
|
$122,220 |
8%
|
|
AWS
|
$122,220 |
8%
|
|
Open Source
|
$121,089 |
7%
|
|
Unix
|
$119,957 |
6%
|
|
Kubernetes
|
$118,825 |
5%
|
|
Java
|
$118,825 |
5%
|
Software Support Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $126,576. While startup companies pay approximate $107,046.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $107,046 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $113,218 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $122,234 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $126,576 |
For Software Support Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 25% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Software Support Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Support Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $124,484 | $60.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $124,484 | $60.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $122,220 | $59.0 | 8% |
| Insurance | $121,089 | $58.0 | 7% |
| Internet | $121,089 | $58.0 | 7% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Support Engineer IIIs enter the field with a Bachelor'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 a Software Support Engineer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $100,779 and $107,642).
Software Support Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 7.4% |
| Associates | 8.7% |
| Bachelors | 57.3% |
| Masters | 23.2% |
| Doctorate | 2.8% |
Understanding how a Software Support Engineer III'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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Support Engineer III, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Support Engineer IV | $120,965 | 7% |
| Aerospace Maintenance Engineer IV | $120,873 | 7% |
| Software Support Manager | $127,282 | 12% |
Salaries for a Software Support Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $98,515 in 2023 to around $97,540 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Support Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $98,515 |
| 2024 | $98,251 |
| 2025 | $97,540 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Software Support Engineer III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Software Support Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Support Engineer III is $142,738.
The highest pay for Software Support Engineer III is $133,710.
The lowest pay for Software Support Engineer III is $96,936.
Troubleshoots and develops technical solutions related to software and setup errors for field engineers, technicians, and customers. Creates workaround procedures when standard procedures have failed and ensures issues are resolved in a timely fashion. Escalates urgent problems requiring more in-depth knowledge to appropriate internal resources. Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to a manager. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature.
The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Support Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
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.)
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