As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Programmer IV in the United States is $138,439 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.
However, a Software Systems Programmer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
Recruit with AI
AI Onboarding
A Software Systems Programmer IV'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 IV'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Software Systems Programmer IV | $134,020 |
| Intermediate Level Software Systems Programmer IV | $134,651 |
| Senior Level Software Systems Programmer IV | $135,283 |
| Specialist Level Software Systems Programmer IV | $137,555 |
| Expert Level Software Systems Programmer IV | $141,660 |
What Am I Worth?
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.33% |
| Data Processing | 3.33% |
| Operating System | 3.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Staff Training
|
$150,899 |
9%
|
|
System Maintenance
|
$149,514 |
8%
|
|
Presentation
|
$145,361 |
5%
|
|
Planning
|
$145,361 |
5%
|
|
Computer Hardware
|
$143,977 |
4%
|
|
Linux System
|
$143,977 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Systems Programmer IVs enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Software Systems Programmer IV with a Associate's Degree is between $130,119 and $137,093).
Software Systems Programmer IV Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 12.5% |
| High School | 12.5% |
| Associates | 8.3% |
| Bachelors | 37.5% |
| Masters | 29.2% |
| Doctorate | 12.5% |
Understanding how a Software Systems Programmer IV'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, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Systems Programmer IV, 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 V | $165,868 | 20% |
| ERP Configuration Manager | $143,750 | 4% |
| Software Systems Engineer V | $165,273 | 19% |
| Software Systems Programmer V | $159,367 | 15% |
Salaries for a Software Systems Programmer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $130,793 in 2023 to around $130,053 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Systems Programmer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $130,793 |
| 2024 | $131,279 |
| 2025 | $130,053 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Software Systems Programmer IV and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Systems Programmer IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A Software Systems Programmer IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Systems Programmer IV is $174,613.
The highest pay for Software Systems Programmer IV is $153,711.
The lowest pay for Software Systems Programmer IV is $122,279.
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. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
