As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Programmer I in Washington is $86,194 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Software Systems Programmer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Software Systems Programmer I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $93,223 | $7,769 | $1,793 | $45 |
| Average | $86,194 | $7,183 | $1,658 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,884 | $6,574 | $1,517 | $38 |
Jobot - Seattle, WA
Advanced Classroom Technologies - Arlington, WA
Carbon Robotics - Seattle, WA
Carbon Robotics - Seattle, WA
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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Systems Programmer I | 0-2 years | $86,194 |
| Software Systems Programmer II | 2-4 years | $104,222 |
| Software Systems Programmer III | 4-7 years | $128,401 |
| Software Systems Programmer IV | 7+ years | $150,130 |
| Software Systems Programmer V | 7-10 years | $172,833 |
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 Programmer Is. 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 Programmer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $96,408. While startup companies pay approximate $81,532.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $81,532 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $86,233 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $93,100 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $96,408 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $103,433 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $103,433 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $103,433 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $103,433 | $50.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $103,433 | $50.0 | 20% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $93,223 | $7,769 | $1,793 | $45 |
| Average | $86,194 | $7,183 | $1,658 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,884 | $6,574 | $1,517 | $38 |
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 | $118,955 | 38% |
| ERP Configuration Specialist II | $111,978 | 30% |
| Software Systems Engineer II | $110,148 | 28% |
| Software Systems Programmer II | $104,222 | 21% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Systems Programmer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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