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Software Systems Engineering Manager Salary in California

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

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Engineering Manager in California is $166,409 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $80.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $195,480
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $155,011 to $181,625
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $144,635
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View as table View as graph 25% $155,011 10% $144,635 90% $195,480 75% $181,625 $166,409 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 $181,625 $15,135 $3,493 $87
Average $166,409 $13,867 $3,200 $80
25th Percentile $155,011 $12,918 $2,981 $75
Check out Software Systems Engineering Manager Job Openings in California
Director of Software Engineering

Lumicity - Los Angeles County, CA

Director of Software Engineering

Lumicity - Los Angeles, CA

Head of AI Enablement and Software Engineering

Confidential - San Francisco, CA

Manager Software Engineering

Palo Alto Networks - Palo Alto, CA

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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 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:

  • Software Systems Engineer V (7-10 years): $182,298
  • Software Systems Engineering Supervisor (10+ years): $153,555
  • Software Systems Engineering Manager (10+ years): $166,409
  • Software Systems Engineering Senior Manager (10+ years): $187,336
  • Software Systems Engineering Director (10+ years): $213,705
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Systems Engineer V7-10 years$182,298
Software Systems Engineering Supervisor10+ years$153,555
Software Systems Engineering Manager10+ years$166,409
Software Systems Engineering Senior Manager10+ years$187,336
Software Systems Engineering Director10+ years$213,705
$182,298 Software ...
$153,555 Software ...
$166,409 Software ...
$187,336 Software ...
$213,705 Software ...
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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:

  • Los Angeles: $166,695
  • West Hollywood: $166,574
  • Dodgertown: $166,694

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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on May 01, 2026
$155,011
Average $166,409/year
$181,625
$12,918
Average $13,867/month
$15,135
$2,981
Average $3,200/week
$3,493
$75
Average $80/hour
$87
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $181,625 $15,135 $3,493 $87
Average $166,409 $13,867 $3,200 $80
25th Percentile $155,011 $12,918 $2,981 $75

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 $197,256 19%
ERP Configuration Senior Manager $182,754 10%
Software Systems Engineering Senior Manager $187,336 13%

Salaries of jobs related to Software Systems Engineering Manager

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