What are the main factors that influence a Software Systems Development Director's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

How does experience change a Software Systems Development Director's salary?

A Software Systems Development Director's salary grows with experience: starting around $216,569 for beginners, reaching about $219,682 at mid-level, and approach $225,686 for experts.

What are the highest paying states for a Software Systems Development Director?

Software Systems Development Director salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Software Systems Development Director roles are District of Columbia $225,686, California $224,830, Massachusetts $221,834. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Software Systems Development Director roles make?

Salaries for Software Systems Development Director level roles vary by specialization: SVP of Software Systems Development: $318,051; VP of Software Systems Development: $253,723; Software Development Director: $214,153; Systems Applications Development Director: $203,900; Software Operating Systems Development Director: $203,890.

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Software Systems Development Director Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Software Systems Development Director make in District of Columbia?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Development Director in District of Columbia is $225,686 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $109.

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

Top Earners (90th percentile): $255,850
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $210,788 to $241,475
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $197,223

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Software Systems Development Director Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$241,475	$20,123	$4,644	$116
Average	$225,686	$18,807	$4,340	$109
25th Percentile	$210,788	$17,566	$4,054	$101

You may get higher pay by adjusting the following factors:

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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): $216,569
Early Career (1-2 years): $217,903
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $219,682
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $222,351
Expert (over 8 years): $225,686

Levels	Salary
Entry Level Software Systems Development Director	$216,569
Intermediate Level Software Systems Development Director	$217,903
Senior Level Software Systems Development Director	$219,682
Specialist Level Software Systems Development Director	$222,351
Expert Level Software Systems Development Director	$225,686

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How Do Software Systems Development Director Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Development Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $225,686.
California: $224,830.
Massachusetts: $221,834.

District of Columbia $225,686 California $224,830 Massachusetts $221,834 Washington $221,018 New Jersey $220,937 Alaska $220,651 Connecticut $217,838 New York $216,697

Hawaii $213,048 Rhode Island $211,336 Maryland $210,174 Minnesota $208,584 Colorado $207,973 Illinois $207,769 Oregon $206,994 Delaware $206,424

New Hampshire $206,065 Virginia $205,262 Pennsylvania $202,918 Nevada $201,735 North Dakota $201,348 Michigan $200,737 Wisconsin $200,512 Vermont $200,064

Texas $198,821 Maine $198,739 Arizona $198,617 Ohio $198,474 Georgia $196,599 Indiana $195,661 Wyoming $195,478 Utah $195,192

Iowa $195,070 Kansas $194,092 Louisiana $193,806 North Carolina $193,704 Missouri $193,664 Florida $192,869 Montana $192,441 Nebraska $192,033

Kentucky $191,809 South Carolina $190,993 Tennessee $190,484 Idaho $190,280 New Mexico $188,792 Oklahoma $188,466 Alabama $187,263 South Dakota $185,245

Arkansas $184,145 West Virginia $183,553 Mississippi $181,780

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:

Parcel Return Service: $225,686
Washington: $225,686
Naval Anacost Annex: $225,686

Parcel Return Service, DC $225,686 Washington, DC $225,686 Naval Anacost Annex, DC $225,686 Washington Navy Yard, DC $225,686

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.

Last Updated on January 01, 2026

$210,788

Average $225,686/year

$241,475

$17,566

Average $18,807/month

$20,123

$4,054

Average $4,340/week

$4,644

$101

Average $109/hour

$116

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$241,475	$20,123	$4,644	$116
Average	$225,686	$18,807	$4,340	$109
25th Percentile	$210,788	$17,566	$4,054	$101

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 $280,922 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.

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