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Software Systems Development Manager Salary in California

How much does a Software Systems Development Manager make in California?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Development Manager in California is $167,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $81.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $194,840
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $161,423 to $181,858
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $155,799
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View as table View as graph 25% $161,423 10% $155,799 90% $194,840 75% $181,858 $167,600 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Systems Development Manager Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $181,858 $15,155 $3,497 $87
Average $167,600 $13,967 $3,223 $81
25th Percentile $161,423 $13,452 $3,104 $78
Check out Software Systems Development Manager Job Openings in California
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Jobot - Hillsborough, CA

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Danaher - Concord, CA

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Key Factors That Influence Software Systems Development Manager Salaries

A Software Systems Development Manager'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 Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Systems Development Manager'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 VI (10-12 years): $211,357
  • Software Systems Development Supervisor (12+ years): $145,882
  • Software Systems Development Manager (12+ years): $167,600
  • Software Systems Development Senior Manager (12+ years): $197,268
  • Software Systems Development Director (12+ years): $224,891
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Systems Developer VI10-12 years$211,357
Software Systems Development Supervisor12+ years$145,882
Software Systems Development Manager12+ years$167,600
Software Systems Development Senior Manager12+ years$197,268
Software Systems Development Director12+ years$224,891
$211,357 Software ...
$145,882 Software ...
$167,600 Software ...
$197,268 Software ...
$224,891 Software ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software Systems Development Managers

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:

  • Los Angeles: $167,888
  • West Hollywood: $167,767
  • Dodgertown: $167,887

Software Systems Development Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software Systems Development Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $187,459. While startup companies pay approximate $158,534.

Software Systems Development Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$158,534
Growth Stage51~500$167,675
Established501~5000$181,027
Enterprise5000+$187,459

Software Systems Development Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Systems Development Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Software Systems Development Manager positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Systems Development Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Systems Development Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$217,880$105.030%
Biotechnology$209,500$101.025%
Financial Services$201,120$97.020%
Pharmaceuticals$192,740$93.015%
Aerospace & Defense$184,360$89.010%

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

Understanding how a Software Systems Development Manager'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on July 01, 2026
$161,423
Average $167,600/year
$181,858
$13,452
Average $13,967/month
$15,155
$3,104
Average $3,223/week
$3,497
$78
Average $81/hour
$87
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $181,858 $15,155 $3,497 $87
Average $167,600 $13,967 $3,223 $81
25th Percentile $161,423 $13,452 $3,104 $78

Software Systems Development Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Systems Development Manager
Software Systems Development Senior Manager
ERP Configuration Senior Manager
Software Systems Engineering Senior Manager
SVP of Software Systems Development
ERP Configuration Director
Software Systems Engineering Director

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Systems Development Manager, 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 Development Manager Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Software Systems Development Senior Manager $197,268 18%
ERP Configuration Senior Manager $182,766 9%
Software Systems Engineering Senior Manager $187,286 12%

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