As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Developer III in the United States is $128,711 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, a Software Systems Developer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Systems Developer 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Systems Developer 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Software Systems Developer III | $123,724 |
| Intermediate Level Software Systems Developer III | $124,555 |
| Senior Level Software Systems Developer III | $126,217 |
| Specialist Level Software Systems Developer III | $130,157 |
| Expert Level Software Systems Developer III | $132,930 |
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 Systems Developer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 3.76% |
| Programming | 3.79% |
| SQL | 2.54% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Microservices
|
$137,721 |
7%
|
|
Commitment
|
$135,147 |
5%
|
|
Kubernetes
|
$133,859 |
4%
|
|
Insight
|
$133,859 |
4%
|
|
Docker
|
$133,859 |
4%
|
|
Continuous Learning
|
$133,859 |
4%
|
Understanding how a Software Systems Developer 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 January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Systems Developer 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Software Systems Developer IV | $143,119 | 11% |
| ERP Configuration Specialist IV | $149,025 | 16% |
| Software Systems Engineer IV | $144,199 | 12% |
| Software Systems Programmer IV | $138,439 | 8% |
Salaries for a Software Systems Developer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $116,660 in 2023 to around $114,919 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Systems Developer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $116,660 |
| 2024 | $116,258 |
| 2025 | $114,919 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Software Systems Developer 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 Systems Developer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Systems Developer III is $162,343.
The highest pay for Software Systems Developer III is $144,140.
The lowest pay for Software Systems Developer III is $107,432.
Designs, analyzes, maintains, and tests software systems. Identifies and analyzes users' needs and preferences. Responsible for troubleshooting and resolving problems. Corrects programming errors, codes systems enhancements, and makes recommendations for improvements based on the findings. Stays current on emerging trends and software systems development best practices. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
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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