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

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.

How does experience change A Software Systems Programmer 's salary?

A Software Systems Programmer 's salary grows with experience: a Software Systems Programmer I (0-2 years)earns $88,015, a Software Systems Programmer II (2-4 years)earns $106,423, a Software Systems Programmer III (4-7 years)earns $131,112, a Software Systems Programmer IV (7+ years)earns $153,301, a Software Systems Programmer V (7-10 years)earns $176,483,

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 $131,112, California $130,615, Massachusetts $128,874. 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: $159,396; Software Systems Programmer IV: $138,458; Software Systems Developer III: $128,723; Applications Systems Programmer III: $121,092; 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 July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Programmer III in District of Columbia is $131,112 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): $146,786
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $119,775 to $139,317
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $109,452

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Software Systems Programmer III Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$139,317	$11,610	$2,679	$67
Average	$131,112	$10,926	$2,521	$63
25th Percentile	$119,775	$9,981	$2,303	$58

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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 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): $88,015
Software Systems Programmer II (2-4 years): $106,423
Software Systems Programmer III (4-7 years): $131,112
Software Systems Programmer IV (7+ years): $153,301
Software Systems Programmer V (7-10 years): $176,483

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Software Systems Programmer I	0-2 years	$88,015
Software Systems Programmer II	2-4 years	$106,423
Software Systems Programmer III	4-7 years	$131,112
Software Systems Programmer IV	7+ years	$153,301
Software Systems Programmer V	7-10 years	$176,483

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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: $131,112.
California: $130,615.
Massachusetts: $128,874.

District of Columbia $131,112 California $130,615 Massachusetts $128,874 Washington $128,401 New Jersey $128,353 Alaska $128,187 Connecticut $126,553 New York $125,890

Hawaii $123,770 Rhode Island $122,776 Maryland $122,101 Minnesota $121,177 Colorado $120,822 Illinois $120,703 Oregon $120,253 Delaware $119,922

New Hampshire $119,713 Virginia $119,247 Pennsylvania $117,885 Nevada $117,198 North Dakota $116,973 Michigan $116,618 Wisconsin $116,488 Vermont $116,227

Texas $115,505 Maine $115,458 Arizona $115,386 Ohio $115,304 Georgia $114,214 Indiana $113,669 Wyoming $113,563 Utah $113,397

Iowa $113,326 Kansas $112,758 Louisiana $112,592 North Carolina $112,533 Missouri $112,509 Florida $112,047 Montana $111,798 Nebraska $111,562

Kentucky $111,431 South Carolina $110,958 Tennessee $110,662 Idaho $110,543 New Mexico $109,679 Oklahoma $109,489 Alabama $108,791 South Dakota $107,618

Arkansas $106,979 West Virginia $106,635 Mississippi $105,605

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: $130,401
Washington: $130,402
Naval Anacost Annex: $130,396

Parcel Return Service, DC $130,401 Washington, DC $130,402 Naval Anacost Annex, DC $130,396 Washington Navy Yard, DC $130,401

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 $146,648. While startup companies pay approximate $124,021.

Software Systems Programmer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size	Employees	Average Salary
Startup	1~50	$124,021
Growth Stage	51~500	$131,171
Established	501~5000	$141,617
Enterprise	5000+	$146,648

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	$262,225	$126.0	100%

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 July 01, 2026

$119,775

Average $131,112/year

$139,317

$9,981

Average $10,926/month

$11,610

$2,303

Average $2,521/week

$2,679

$58

Average $63/hour

$67

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$139,317	$11,610	$2,679	$67
Average	$131,112	$10,926	$2,521	$63
25th Percentile	$119,775	$9,981	$2,303	$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	$158,517	21%
ERP Configuration Specialist IV	$165,091	26%
Software Systems Engineer IV	$159,706	22%
Software Systems Programmer IV	$153,301	17%

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