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 's salary?

A Software Systems Programmer 's salary grows with experience: a Software Systems Programmer I (0-2 years)earns $88,007, a Software Systems Programmer II (2-4 years)earns $106,446, a Software Systems Programmer III (4-7 years)earns $131,131, a Software Systems Programmer IV (7+ years)earns $153,294, a Software Systems Programmer V (7-10 years)earns $176,472,

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 $131,131, California $130,634, Massachusetts $128,893. 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: $159,386; Software Systems Programmer IV: $138,452; Software Systems Developer III: $128,719; Applications Systems Programmer III: $121,098; 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 May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Programmer III in District of Columbia is $131,131 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): $146,828
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $119,796 to $139,348
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $109,475

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Software Systems Programmer III Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$139,348	$11,612	$2,680	$67
Average	$131,131	$10,928	$2,522	$63
25th Percentile	$119,796	$9,983	$2,304	$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): $88,007
Software Systems Programmer II (2-4 years): $106,446
Software Systems Programmer III (4-7 years): $131,131
Software Systems Programmer IV (7+ years): $153,294
Software Systems Programmer V (7-10 years): $176,472

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Software Systems Programmer I	0-2 years	$88,007
Software Systems Programmer II	2-4 years	$106,446
Software Systems Programmer III	4-7 years	$131,131
Software Systems Programmer IV	7+ years	$153,294
Software Systems Programmer V	7-10 years	$176,472

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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: $131,131.
California: $130,634.
Massachusetts: $128,893.

District of Columbia $131,131 California $130,634 Massachusetts $128,893 Washington $128,419 New Jersey $128,372 Alaska $128,206 Connecticut $126,571 New York $125,908

Hawaii $123,788 Rhode Island $122,793 Maryland $122,118 Minnesota $121,195 Colorado $120,839 Illinois $120,721 Oregon $120,271 Delaware $119,939

New Hampshire $119,731 Virginia $119,264 Pennsylvania $117,902 Nevada $117,215 North Dakota $116,990 Michigan $116,635 Wisconsin $116,505 Vermont $116,244

Texas $115,521 Maine $115,474 Arizona $115,403 Ohio $115,320 Georgia $114,231 Indiana $113,686 Wyoming $113,579 Utah $113,413

Iowa $113,342 Kansas $112,774 Louisiana $112,608 North Carolina $112,549 Missouri $112,525 Florida $112,063 Montana $111,814 Nebraska $111,578

Kentucky $111,447 South Carolina $110,974 Tennessee $110,678 Idaho $110,559 New Mexico $109,694 Oklahoma $109,505 Alabama $108,806 South Dakota $107,634

Arkansas $106,994 West Virginia $106,651 Mississippi $105,620

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: $130,419
Washington: $130,421
Naval Anacost Annex: $130,415

Parcel Return Service, DC $130,419 Washington, DC $130,421 Naval Anacost Annex, DC $130,415 Washington Navy Yard, DC $130,419

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 May 01, 2026

$119,796

Average $131,131/year

$139,348

$9,983

Average $10,928/month

$11,612

$2,304

Average $2,522/week

$2,680

$58

Average $63/hour

$67

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$139,348	$11,612	$2,680	$67
Average	$131,131	$10,928	$2,522	$63
25th Percentile	$119,796	$9,983	$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	$158,500	21%
ERP Configuration Specialist IV	$165,060	26%
Software Systems Engineer IV	$159,689	22%
Software Systems Programmer IV	$153,294	17%

Salaries of jobs related to Software Systems Programmer III

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