What are the main factors that influence a Software Systems Programmer III's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

How does experience change a Software Systems Programmer III's salary?

A Software Systems Programmer III's salary grows with experience: starting around $126,085 for beginners, reaching about $128,626 at mid-level, and approach $135,834 for experts.

What are the highest paying states for a Software Systems Programmer III?

Software Systems Programmer III salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Software Systems Programmer III roles are District of Columbia $131,167, California $130,669, Massachusetts $128,928. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Software Systems Programmer roles make?

Salaries for Software Systems Programmer level roles vary by specialization: Software Systems Programmer V: $159,367; Software Systems Programmer IV: $138,439; Software Systems Developer III: $128,711; Applications Systems Programmer III: $121,110; IT Systems Programmer III: $118,500.

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Software Systems Programmer III Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Software Systems Programmer III make in District of Columbia?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Programmer III in District of Columbia is $131,167 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.

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

Top Earners (90th percentile): $146,889
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $119,817 to $139,396
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $109,483

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Software Systems Programmer III Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$139,396	$11,616	$2,681	$67
Average	$131,167	$10,931	$2,522	$63
25th Percentile	$119,817	$9,985	$2,304	$58

You may get higher pay by adjusting the following factors:

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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 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:

Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $126,085
Early Career (1-2 years): $126,932
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $128,626
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $133,623
Expert (over 8 years): $135,834

Levels	Salary
Entry Level Software Systems Programmer III	$126,085
Intermediate Level Software Systems Programmer III	$126,932
Senior Level Software Systems Programmer III	$128,626
Specialist Level Software Systems Programmer III	$133,623
Expert Level Software Systems Programmer III	$135,834

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What Am I Worth?

How Do Software Systems Programmer III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $131,167.
California: $130,669.
Massachusetts: $128,928.

District of Columbia $131,167 California $130,669 Massachusetts $128,928 Washington $128,454 New Jersey $128,406 Alaska $128,241 Connecticut $126,606 New York $125,942

Hawaii $123,822 Rhode Island $122,827 Maryland $122,151 Minnesota $121,227 Colorado $120,872 Illinois $120,753 Oregon $120,303 Delaware $119,972

New Hampshire $119,763 Virginia $119,296 Pennsylvania $117,934 Nevada $117,247 North Dakota $117,022 Michigan $116,666 Wisconsin $116,536 Vermont $116,275

Texas $115,553 Maine $115,505 Arizona $115,434 Ohio $115,351 Georgia $114,261 Indiana $113,716 Wyoming $113,610 Utah $113,444

Iowa $113,373 Kansas $112,804 Louisiana $112,638 North Carolina $112,579 Missouri $112,555 Florida $112,093 Montana $111,845 Nebraska $111,608

Kentucky $111,477 South Carolina $111,004 Tennessee $110,707 Idaho $110,589 New Mexico $109,724 Oklahoma $109,535 Alabama $108,836 South Dakota $107,663

Arkansas $107,023 West Virginia $106,680 Mississippi $105,649

Top Paying Cities for Software Systems Programmer IIIs

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:

Parcel Return Service: $131,167
Washington: $131,167
Naval Anacost Annex: $131,167

Parcel Return Service, DC $131,167 Washington, DC $131,167 Naval Anacost Annex, DC $131,167 Washington Navy Yard, DC $131,167

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 January 01, 2026

$119,817

Average $131,167/year

$139,396

$9,985

Average $10,931/month

$11,616

$2,304

Average $2,522/week

$2,681

$58

Average $63/hour

$67

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$139,396	$11,616	$2,681	$67
Average	$131,167	$10,931	$2,522	$63
25th Percentile	$119,817	$9,985	$2,304	$58

Software Systems Programmer III Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Systems Programmer III

Software Systems Developer IV

ERP Configuration Specialist IV

Software Systems Engineer IV

Software Systems Programmer IV

SVP of Software Systems Development

ERP Configuration Manager

Software Systems Engineer V

Software Systems Programmer V

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	$158,461	21%
ERP Configuration Specialist IV	$165,000	26%
Software Systems Engineer IV	$159,657	22%
Software Systems Programmer IV	$153,280	17%

Salaries of jobs related to Software Systems Programmer III

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