upper level job

Software Systems Developer VI Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Developer VI in the United States is $191,614 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $92.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $206,861
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $165,440 to $199,595
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $141,610

Key Factors That Influence Software Systems Developer VI Salaries

A Software Systems Developer VI'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 VI Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Systems Developer VI'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 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
  • Software Systems Development Manager (12+ years): $151,958
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
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
Software Systems Development Manager12+ years$151,958

Top Paying Cities for Software Systems Developer VI

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: $241,683
  • San Francisco: $239,037
  • Oakland: $233,999

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

Software Systems Developer VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $214,501. While startup companies pay approximate $181,463.

Software Systems Developer VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $181,463
Growth Stage 51~500 $191,918
Established 501~5000 $207,139
Enterprise 5000+ $214,501

Software Systems Developer VI Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Systems Developer VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Software Systems Developer positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Systems Developer VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Systems Developer VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$210,775$101.010%
Business Services$210,775$101.010%
Construction$210,775$101.010%
Energy & Utilities$210,775$101.010%
Healthcare$210,775$101.010%

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

Understanding how a Software Systems Developer VI'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
$165,440
Average $191,614/year
$199,595
$13,787
Average $15,968/month
$16,633
$3,182
Average $3,685/week
$3,838
$80
Average $92/hour
$96
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $199,595 $16,633 $3,838 $96
Average $191,614 $15,968 $3,685 $92
25th Percentile $165,440 $13,787 $3,182 $80

Software Systems Developer VI Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Systems Developer VI, 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 VI Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Software Systems Development Supervisor $132,253 -31%
ERP Configuration Manager $143,801 -25%
Software Systems Engineering Supervisor $139,266 -27%
Software Systems Programming Manager $161,570 -16%

Most common benefits for Software Systems Developer VI

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

Common company salaries for Software Systems Developer VI

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

Find Your Next Software Systems Developer VI Job

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

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

A Software Systems Developer VI'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 VI earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Systems Developer VI is $241,683.

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

The highest pay for Software Systems Developer VI is $206,861.

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

The lowest pay for Software Systems Developer VI is $141,610.

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

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. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization.

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

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Systems Developer VI roles, with salaries approximately 10% 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