As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Engineer III in Virginia is $118,673 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, a Software Systems Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Software Systems Engineer III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $129,447 | $10,787 | $2,489 | $62 |
| Average | $118,673 | $9,889 | $2,282 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,488 | $9,124 | $2,106 | $53 |
ManTech International - Stafford, VA
Altron Inc - Manassas, VA
SimIS Inc. - Virginia Beach, VA
DirectViz Solutions, LLC - Virginia Beach, VA
A Software Systems Engineer III'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 III'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Systems Engineer I | 0-2 years | $83,307 |
| Software Systems Engineer II | 2-4 years | $102,295 |
| Software Systems Engineer III | 4-7 years | $118,673 |
| Software Systems Engineer IV | 7+ years | $145,253 |
| Software Systems Engineer V | 7-10 years | $166,433 |
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 IIIs. 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:
Software Systems Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $132,735. While startup companies pay approximate $112,254.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $112,254 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $118,726 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $128,181 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $132,735 |
For Software Systems Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Software Systems Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Systems Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $166,142 | $80.0 | 40% |
| Energy & Utilities | $136,474 | $66.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $132,914 | $64.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $128,167 | $62.0 | 8% |
| Biotechnology | $124,607 | $60.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Software Systems Engineer III'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 | $129,447 | $10,787 | $2,489 | $62 |
| Average | $118,673 | $9,889 | $2,282 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,488 | $9,124 | $2,106 | $53 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Systems Engineer III, 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 IV | $144,171 | 21% |
| ERP Configuration Specialist IV | $150,151 | 27% |
| Software Systems Engineer IV | $145,253 | 22% |
| Software Systems Programmer IV | $139,427 | 17% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Systems Engineer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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