As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Engineer I in California is $91,224 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a Software Systems Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Software Systems Engineer I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $101,084 | $8,424 | $1,944 | $49 |
| Average | $91,224 | $7,602 | $1,754 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,381 | $6,948 | $1,603 | $40 |
Defense Search - Hawthorne, CA
ASD, Inc. - Redondo Beach, CA
PlanIT Group LLC - Palmdale, CA
AUSGAR Technologies Inc. - San Diego, CA
A Software Systems Engineer I'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Systems Engineer I'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Software Systems Engineer I | $90,638 |
| Intermediate Level Software Systems Engineer I | $91,518 |
| Senior Level Software Systems Engineer I | $93,726 |
| Specialist Level Software Systems Engineer I | $94,167 |
| Expert Level Software Systems Engineer I | $94,461 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Understanding how a Software Systems Engineer I'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $101,084 | $8,424 | $1,944 | $49 |
| Average | $91,224 | $7,602 | $1,754 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,381 | $6,948 | $1,603 | $40 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Systems Engineer I, 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Software Systems Developer II | $120,985 | 33% |
| ERP Configuration Specialist II | $113,929 | 25% |
| Software Systems Engineer II | $112,021 | 23% |
| Software Systems Programmer II | $106,087 | 16% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Systems Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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