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Software Systems Development Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Systems Development Director make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Development Director in the United States is $203,835 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $98.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $231,078
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $190,379 to $218,095
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $178,128
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Paid Annually Paid Monthly Paid Semimonthly Paid Biweekly Paid Weekly Paid Hourly
View as table View as graph 25% $190,379 10% $178,128 90% $231,078 75% $218,095 $203,835 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Systems Development Director Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $218,095 $18,175 $4,194 $105
Average $203,835 $16,986 $3,920 $98
25th Percentile $190,379 $15,865 $3,661 $92
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Key Factors That Influence Software Systems Development Director Salaries

A Software Systems Development Director'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 Development Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Systems Development Director'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $195,601
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $196,806
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $198,412
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $200,822
  • Expert (over 8 years): $203,835
Levels Salary
Entry Level Software Systems Development Director$195,601
Intermediate Level Software Systems Development Director$196,806
Senior Level Software Systems Development Director$198,412
Specialist Level Software Systems Development Director$200,822
Expert Level Software Systems Development Director$203,835
$195,601 0 yr
$196,806 < 2 yrs
$198,412 2-4 yrs
$200,822 5-8 yrs
$203,835 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software Systems Development Directors

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: $257,097
  • San Francisco: $254,570
  • Oakland: $248,923

Software Systems Development Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Systems Development Director'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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on January 01, 2026
$190,379
Average $203,835/year
$218,095
$15,865
Average $16,986/month
$18,175
$3,661
Average $3,920/week
$4,194
$92
Average $98/hour
$105
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $218,095 $18,175 $4,194 $105
Average $203,835 $16,986 $3,920 $98
25th Percentile $190,379 $15,865 $3,661 $92

Software Systems Development Director Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Systems Development Director
VP of Software Systems Development
SVP of Software Systems Development

For a Software Systems Development Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the VP of Software Systems Development role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $253,723 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.

Salaries of jobs related to Software Systems Development Director

Most common benefits for Software Systems Development Director

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FAQ about Software Systems Development Director

1. Where can a Software Systems Development Director earn the most?

A Software Systems Development Director'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 Development Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Systems Development Director is $257,097.

2. What is the highest pay for Software Systems Development Director?

The highest pay for Software Systems Development Director is $231,078.

3. What is the lowest pay for Software Systems Development Director?

The lowest pay for Software Systems Development Director is $178,128.

4. What are the responsibilities of Software Systems Development Director?

Directs and leads the team responsible for designing, testing, and maintaining software systems. Provides guidance on how to identify users' needs and gives recommendations on how to implement them successfully. Oversees the analysis, troubleshooting, and resolution of problems. Ensures programming errors are fixed, and system enhancements are coded correctly. Stays current on emerging trends and software systems development best practices. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.

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.

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