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Software Systems Engineering Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Systems Engineering Manager make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Engineering Manager in the United States is $150,854 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $73.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $177,300
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $140,571 to $164,697
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $131,209
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View as table View as graph 25% $140,571 10% $131,209 90% $177,300 75% $164,697 $150,854 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Systems Engineering Manager Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $164,697 $13,725 $3,167 $79
Average $150,854 $12,571 $2,901 $73
25th Percentile $140,571 $11,714 $2,703 $68
Check out Software Systems Engineering Manager Job Openings in the United States
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Software Engineering Manager

CSG - SAINT LOUIS, MO

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Key Factors That Influence Software Systems Engineering Manager Salaries

A Software Systems Engineering 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Software Systems Engineering Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Systems Engineering 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $147,017
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $147,477
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $148,552
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $149,780
  • Expert (over 8 years): $152,300
Levels Salary
Entry Level Software Systems Engineering Manager$147,017
Intermediate Level Software Systems Engineering Manager$147,477
Senior Level Software Systems Engineering Manager$148,552
Specialist Level Software Systems Engineering Manager$149,780
Expert Level Software Systems Engineering Manager$152,300
$147,017 0 yr
$147,477 < 2 yrs
$148,552 2-4 yrs
$149,780 5-8 yrs
$152,300 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software Systems Engineering 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:

  • San Jose: $190,272
  • San Francisco: $188,402
  • Oakland: $184,223

What Skills Can Increase a Software Systems Engineering Manager's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 9.41% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Linux (Mentioned in 1.76% Job Postings): Managing a system's hardware and resources using a Unix-like open-source operating system.
  • Azure (Mentioned in 1.29% Job Postings): Microsoft Azure, often referred to as Azure, is a cloud computing service operated by Microsoft for application management via Microsoft-managed data centers.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 9.41%
Linux 1.76%
Azure 1.29%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Software Systems Engineering Manager's salary.
  • System Integration: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • AWS: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Systems Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
System Integration
 $178,008
18%
AWS
 $178,008
18%
Systems Engineering
 $178,008
18%
Program Management
 $176,499
17%
Security Clearance
 $176,499
17%
Project Engineering
 $174,991
16%
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How Education impacts a Software Systems Engineering Manager's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Systems Engineering Managers enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Software Systems Engineering Manager with a No Diploma is between $147,361 and $156,594).

Software Systems Engineering Manager Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Software Systems Engineering Manager
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 10.0%
High School 10.0%
Associates 20.0%
Bachelors 70.0%
Masters 20.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Software Systems Engineering Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Systems Engineering 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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on January 01, 2026
$140,571
Average $150,854/year
$164,697
$11,714
Average $12,571/month
$13,725
$2,703
Average $2,901/week
$3,167
$68
Average $73/hour
$79
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $164,697 $13,725 $3,167 $79
Average $150,854 $12,571 $2,901 $73
25th Percentile $140,571 $11,714 $2,703 $68

Software Systems Engineering Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Systems Engineering 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 Engineering 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 Engineering Manager Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Software Systems Development Senior Manager $178,818 19%
ERP Configuration Senior Manager $165,668 10%
Software Systems Engineering Senior Manager $169,921 13%

Salaries of jobs related to Software Systems Engineering Manager

Salary Trends for Software Systems Engineering Manager

Salaries for a Software Systems Engineering Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $141,347 in 2023 to around $140,927 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Systems Engineering Manager salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Software Systems Engineering Manager Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$141,347
2024
$142,158
2025
$140,927
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $141,347
2024 $142,158
2025 $140,927
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Software Systems Engineering Manager

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Software Systems Engineering Manager

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FAQ about Software Systems Engineering Manager

1. Where can a Software Systems Engineering Manager earn the most?

A Software Systems Engineering Manager'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 Engineering Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Systems Engineering Manager is $190,272.

2. What is the highest pay for Software Systems Engineering Manager?

The highest pay for Software Systems Engineering Manager is $177,300.

3. What is the lowest pay for Software Systems Engineering Manager?

The lowest pay for Software Systems Engineering Manager is $131,209.

4. What are the responsibilities of Software Systems Engineering Manager?

Manages the design, development, and maintenance of an organization's systems infrastructure. Reviews code to ensure the functionality and reliability of operating systems, drivers, and utility tools. Guides the team in updating system installation documentation and troubleshooting complex issues. Coordinates end-user support activities and ensures best practices are followed. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

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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