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Software Systems Programmer III Salary in the United States

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

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $132,563
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $108,172 to $125,818
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $98,851

Key Factors That Influence Software Systems Programmer III Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Software Systems Programmer III Salaries?

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:

  • 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 III

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: $149,351
  • San Francisco: $147,715
  • Oakland: $144,602

What Skills Can Increase a Software Systems Programmer III'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%

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 III's salary.

  • Computerized Maintenance Management System: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Software Development: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Computerized Maintenance Management System $125,515
6%
Software Development $124,331
5%
Coordination $123,146
4%

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

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.

Software Systems Programmer III Salary by Company Size

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

Software Systems Programmer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Systems Programmer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 200% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 100% above the average. In contrast, Software Systems Programmer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Systems Programmer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Software Systems Programmer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$236,820$114.0100%

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

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.

Software Systems Programmer III Salaries by Degree Level

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%

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

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.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$108,172
Average $118,410/year
$125,818
$9,014
Average $9,868/month
$10,485
$2,080
Average $2,277/week
$2,420
$52
Average $57/hour
$60
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

Software Systems Programmer III Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

Software Systems Programmer III Salary Growth and Career Path
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%

Most common benefits for Software Systems Programmer III

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

Common company salaries for Software Systems Programmer III

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

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FAQ about Software Systems Programmer III

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

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.

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

The highest pay for Software Systems Programmer III is $132,563.

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

The lowest pay for Software Systems Programmer III is $98,851.

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

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.

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

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Systems Programmer III roles, with salaries approximately 100% 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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