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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 August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Programmer I in the United States is $79,496 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): $91,881
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $72,756 to $85,979
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $66,620
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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:

  • Software Systems Programmer I (0-2 years): $79,496
  • Software Systems Programmer II (2-4 years): $96,109
  • Software Systems Programmer III (4-7 years): $118,410
  • Software Systems Programmer IV (7+ years): $138,461
  • Software Systems Programmer V (7-10 years): $159,401
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Systems Programmer I0-2 years$79,496
Software Systems Programmer II2-4 years$96,109
Software Systems Programmer III4-7 years$118,410
Software Systems Programmer IV7+ years$138,461
Software Systems Programmer V7-10 years$159,401
View as Graph

How Do Software Systems Programmer Is Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Programmer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $88,018.
  • California: $87,684.
  • Massachusetts: $86,515.

Top Paying Cities for Software Systems Programmer I

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: $100,268
  • San Francisco: $99,170
  • Oakland: $97,081

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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 6.9%
Computer Science 3.94%
Electrical Engineering 2.3%
See More Skills

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 $89,036
12%
Hard Working $86,651
9%
Collaboration $86,651
9%
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Software Systems Programmer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software Systems Programmer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $88,991. While startup companies pay approximate $75,284.

Software Systems Programmer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $75,284
Growth Stage 51~500 $79,622
Established 501~5000 $85,937
Enterprise 5000+ $88,991

Software Systems Programmer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Systems Programmer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Software Systems Programmer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Systems Programmer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Systems Programmer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$95,395$46.020%
Biotechnology$95,395$46.020%
Business Services$95,395$46.020%
Chemicals$95,395$46.020%
Construction$95,395$46.020%

How Education impacts an Software Systems Programmer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Systems Programmer I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Software Systems Programmer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $72,412 and $77,236.

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%
View as Graph

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 August 01, 2026
$72,756
Average $79,496/year
$85,979
$6,063
Average $6,625/month
$7,165
$1,399
Average $1,529/week
$1,653
$35
Average $38/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $85,979 $7,165 $1,653 $41
Average $79,496 $6,625 $1,529 $38
25th Percentile $72,756 $6,063 $1,399 $35

Software Systems Programmer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Systems Programmer I

Next Role

Advancement

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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Software Systems Developer II $109,710 38%
ERP Configuration Specialist II $103,269 30%
Software Systems Engineer II $101,588 28%
Software Systems Programmer II $96,109 21%

Most common benefits for Software Systems Programmer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

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 $100,268.

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

The highest pay for Software Systems Programmer I is $91,881.

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

The lowest pay for Software Systems Programmer I is $66,620.

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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Software Systems Programmer I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Systems Programmer I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

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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