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Software Systems Programmer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Systems Programmer I make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Programmer I in the United States is $79,473 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $91,763
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $72,693 to $85,906
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $66,520
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View as table View as graph 25% $72,693 10% $66,520 90% $91,763 75% $85,906 $79,473 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Systems Programmer I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $85,906 $7,159 $1,652 $41
Average $79,473 $6,623 $1,528 $38
25th Percentile $72,693 $6,058 $1,398 $35
Check out Software Systems Programmer I Job Openings in the United States
Software Systems Engineer

ASD, Inc. - BOULDER, CO

Senior Software Engineer

Moseley Technical Services, Inc. - SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Advanced Embedded Software Engineer

GeoLogics Corporation - CANONSBURG, PA

Advanced Software Engineer

GeoLogics Corporation - CANONSBURG, PA

Search More Software Systems Programmer I Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Software Systems Programmer I Salaries

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

How Experience Level Affects Software Systems Programmer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Systems Programmer 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $78,967
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $79,665
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $81,105
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $81,393
  • Expert (over 8 years): $81,585
Levels Salary
Entry Level Software Systems Programmer I$78,967
Intermediate Level Software Systems Programmer I$79,665
Senior Level Software Systems Programmer I$81,105
Specialist Level Software Systems Programmer I$81,393
Expert Level Software Systems Programmer I$81,585
$78,967 0 yr
$79,665 < 2 yrs
$81,105 2-4 yrs
$81,393 5-8 yrs
$81,585 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software Systems Programmer Is

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: $100,239
  • San Francisco: $99,254
  • Oakland: $97,052

What Skills Can Increase a Software Systems Programmer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 6.9% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 3.94% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Electrical Engineering (Mentioned in 2.3% Job Postings): Electrical engineering is a technical discipline concerned with the study, design and application of equipment, devices and systems which use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It emerged as an identified activity in the latter half of the 19th century after commercialization of the electric telegraph, the telephone, and electrical power generation, distribution and use. Electrical engineering is now divided into a wide range of fields including, computer engineering, power engineering, telecommunications, radio-frequency engineering, signal processing, instrumentation, and electronics. Many of these disciplines overlap with other engineering branches, spanning a huge number of specializations including hardware engineering, power electronics, electromagnetics and waves, microwave engineering, nanotechnology, electrochemistry, renewable energies, mechatronics, and electrical materials science. See glossary of electrical and electronics engineering.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 6.9%
Computer Science 3.94%
Electrical Engineering 2.3%
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 Programmer I's salary.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Hard Working: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Innovation
$89,010
12%
Hard Working
$86,626
9%
Collaboration
$86,626
9%
Risk Management
$86,626
9%
Leadership
$85,831
8%
Initiative
$85,831
8%
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How Education impacts a Software Systems Programmer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Systems Programmer Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Programmer I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $69,924 and $75,031).

Software Systems Programmer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Software Systems Programmer I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 35.7%
High School 35.7%
Associates 28.6%
Bachelors 28.6%
Masters 7.1%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Software Systems Programmer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Systems Programmer 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.

Last Updated on January 01, 2026

Software Systems Programmer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Systems Programmer 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.

Software Systems Programmer I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Software Systems Developer II $109,687 38%
ERP Configuration Specialist II $103,290 30%
Software Systems Engineer II $101,560 28%
Software Systems Programmer II $96,180 21%

Salary Trends for Software Systems Programmer I

Salaries for a Software Systems Programmer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $77,001 in 2023 to around $76,822 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Systems Programmer I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Software Systems Programmer I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$77,001
2024
$77,303
2025
$76,822
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $77,001
2024 $77,303
2025 $76,822
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Software Systems Programmer I

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

Here are companies hiring for Software Systems Programmer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Software Systems Programmer I

1. Where can a Software Systems Programmer I earn the most?

A Software Systems Programmer I'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 Programmer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Systems Programmer I is $100,239.

2. What is the highest pay for Software Systems Programmer I?

The highest pay for Software Systems Programmer I is $91,763.

3. What is the lowest pay for Software Systems Programmer I?

The lowest pay for Software Systems Programmer I is $66,520.

4. What are the responsibilities of Software Systems Programmer I?

Reviews, analyzes, develops, installs, and modifies operating systems. Detects, diagnoses, and reports related problems. Writes scripts and code to customize and configure platforms and infrastructure. Gathers and evaluates specifications and prepares technical documentation. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

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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