upper level job

Software Systems Developer V Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Systems Developer V make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Developer V in the United States is $165,968 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $80.

However, a Software Systems Developer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $189,566
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $156,955 to $178,320
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $148,749

Key Factors That Influence Software Systems Developer V Salaries

A Software Systems Developer V'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 Systems Developer V Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Systems Developer V'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 Systems Developer III (4-7 years): $128,725
  • Software Systems Developer IV (7+ years): $143,177
  • Software Systems Developer V (7-10 years): $165,968
  • Software Systems Developer VI (10-12 years): $191,614
  • Software Systems Development Supervisor (12+ years): $132,253
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Systems Developer III4-7 years$128,725
Software Systems Developer IV7+ years$143,177
Software Systems Developer V7-10 years$165,968
Software Systems Developer VI10-12 years$191,614
Software Systems Development Supervisor12+ years$132,253

Top Paying Cities for Software Systems Developer V

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: $209,335
  • San Francisco: $207,043
  • Oakland: $202,680

Software Systems Developer V Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software Systems Developer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $185,792. While startup companies pay approximate $157,175.

Software Systems Developer V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $157,175
Growth Stage 51~500 $166,231
Established 501~5000 $179,415
Enterprise 5000+ $185,792

Software Systems Developer V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Systems Developer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Software Systems Developer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Systems Developer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Systems Developer V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$215,758$104.030%
Pharmaceuticals$207,460$100.025%
Financial Services$199,162$96.020%
Internet$199,162$96.020%
Biotechnology$190,863$92.015%

Software Systems Developer V Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Systems Developer V'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 August 01, 2026
$156,955
Average $165,968/year
$178,320
$13,080
Average $13,831/month
$14,860
$3,018
Average $3,192/week
$3,429
$75
Average $80/hour
$86
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $178,320 $14,860 $3,429 $86
Average $165,968 $13,831 $3,192 $80
25th Percentile $156,955 $13,080 $3,018 $75

Software Systems Developer V Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Systems Developer V, 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 Systems Developer V Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Software Systems Developer VI $191,614 15%
ERP Configuration Manager $143,801 -13%
Software Systems Engineering Supervisor $139,266 -16%
Software Systems Programming Manager $161,570 -3%

Most common benefits for Software Systems Developer V

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

Common company salaries for Software Systems Developer V

Here are companies hiring for Software Systems Developer V and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Software Systems Developer V Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Systems Developer V 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 Software Systems Developer V

1. Where can a Software Systems Developer V earn the most?

A Software Systems Developer V'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 V earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Systems Developer V is $209,335.

2. What is the highest pay for Software Systems Developer V?

The highest pay for Software Systems Developer V is $189,566.

3. What is the lowest pay for Software Systems Developer V?

The lowest pay for Software Systems Developer V is $148,749.

4. What are the responsibilities of Software Systems Developer V?

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. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Software Systems Developer V?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Systems Developer V roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

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