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Software Systems Programmer II Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Programmer II in the United States is $96,109 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $111,152
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $87,747 to $103,983
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $80,134

Key Factors That Influence Software Systems Programmer II Salaries

A Software Systems Programmer II'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 II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Systems Programmer II'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

Top Paying Cities for Software Systems Programmer II

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: $121,222
  • San Francisco: $119,895
  • Oakland: $117,368

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 3.33% 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.
  • Data Processing (Mentioned in 3.33% Job Postings): Data processing is the collection and manipulation of data to produce meaningful information. Data processing is a form of information processing, which is the modification of information in any manner detectable by an observer.
  • Operating System (Mentioned in 3.33% Job Postings): Maintaining software that runs on a computer that serves as an interface between computer hardware components and the user.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 3.33%
Data Processing 3.33%
Operating System 3.33%

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 II's salary.

  • Staff Training: Can increase your salary by up to 29%.
  • Python: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Staff Training $123,981
29%
Python $116,292
21%
Consulting $115,331
20%

Software Systems Programmer II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software Systems Programmer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $107,588. While startup companies pay approximate $91,017.

Software Systems Programmer II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $91,017
Growth Stage 51~500 $96,262
Established 501~5000 $103,896
Enterprise 5000+ $107,588

Software Systems Programmer II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Systems Programmer II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Software Systems Programmer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Systems Programmer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Systems Programmer II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$120,136$58.025%
Energy & Utilities$110,525$53.015%
Business Services$105,720$51.010%
Insurance$105,720$51.010%
Transportation$105,720$51.010%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Systems Programmer II 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 II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $85,747 and $90,940.

Software Systems Programmer II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Software Systems Programmer II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 5.9%
High School 5.9%
Associates 11.8%
Bachelors 47.1%
Masters 35.3%
Doctorate 0.0%

Software Systems Programmer II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Systems Programmer II'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
$87,747
Average $96,109/year
$103,983
$7,312
Average $8,009/month
$8,665
$1,687
Average $1,848/week
$2,000
$42
Average $46/hour
$50
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $103,983 $8,665 $2,000 $50
Average $96,109 $8,009 $1,848 $46
25th Percentile $87,747 $7,312 $1,687 $42

Software Systems Programmer II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Systems Programmer II, 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 II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Software Systems Developer III $128,725 34%
ERP Configuration Specialist III $128,725 34%
Software Systems Engineer III $117,848 23%
Software Systems Programmer III $118,410 23%

Most common benefits for Software Systems Programmer II

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

Common company salaries for Software Systems Programmer II

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

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FAQ about Software Systems Programmer II

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

A Software Systems Programmer II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Systems Programmer II is $121,222.

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

The highest pay for Software Systems Programmer II is $111,152.

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

The lowest pay for Software Systems Programmer II is $80,134.

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

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. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.

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

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Systems Programmer II roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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