As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Support Engineer III in the United States is $113,104 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 | $69,478 |
| Software Support Engineer II | 2-4 years | $83,293 |
| Software Support Engineer III | 4-7 years | $113,104 |
| Software Support Manager | 7+ years | $127,286 |
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
|
$122,152 |
8%
|
|
AWS
|
$122,152 |
8%
|
|
Open Source
|
$121,021 |
7%
|
|
Unix
|
$119,890 |
6%
|
|
Kubernetes
|
$118,759 |
5%
|
|
Java
|
$118,759 |
5%
|
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 March 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 | $120,977 | 7% |
| Aerospace Maintenance Engineer IV | $120,885 | 7% |
| Software Support Manager | $127,286 | 13% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Software Support Engineer III and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Support Engineer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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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 $142,658.
The highest pay for Software Support Engineer III is $133,683.
The lowest pay for Software Support Engineer III is $96,949.
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.
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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