As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Programmer III in the United States is $118,410 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, a Software Systems Programmer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Software Systems Programmer III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $125,818 | $10,485 | $2,420 | $60 |
| Average | $118,410 | $9,868 | $2,277 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,172 | $9,014 | $2,080 | $52 |
A Software Systems Programmer III'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Systems Programmer III'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 | $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 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.9% |
| Computer Science | 3.94% |
| Electrical Engineering | 2.3% |
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 III's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Computerized Maintenance Management System | $125,515 | |
| Software Development | $124,331 | |
| Coordination | $123,146 |
Software Systems Programmer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $132,553. While startup companies pay approximate $112,137.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $112,137 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $118,598 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $128,004 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $132,553 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Systems Programmer III 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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $108,450 and $114,978.
| Typical Education for Software Systems Programmer III | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 5.9% |
| High School | 29.4% |
| Associates | 41.2% |
| Bachelors | 41.2% |
| Masters | 23.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Software Systems Programmer III'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 | $125,818 | $10,485 | $2,420 | $60 |
| Average | $118,410 | $9,868 | $2,277 | $57 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,172 | $9,014 | $2,080 | $52 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Systems Programmer III, 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 IV | $143,177 | 21% |
| ERP Configuration Specialist IV | $149,121 | 26% |
| Software Systems Engineer IV | $144,250 | 22% |
| Software Systems Programmer IV | $138,461 | 17% |
Salaries for a Software Systems Programmer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $116,660 in 2023 to around $115,562 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Systems Programmer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $116,660 |
| 2024 | $116,860 |
| 2025 | $115,562 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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A Software Systems Programmer III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Systems Programmer III is $149,351.
The highest pay for Software Systems Programmer III is $132,563.
The lowest pay for Software Systems Programmer III is $98,851.
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 generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Systems Programmer III roles, with salaries approximately 100% above the market median.
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