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Software Systems Programmer IV Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Programmer IV in the United States is $138,461 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $153,811
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $130,214 to $146,496
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $122,706
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Software Systems Programmer IV Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Software Systems Programmer IV Salaries?

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:

  • 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
  • Software Systems Programming Manager (10+ years): $161,570
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
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
Software Systems Programming Manager10+ years$161,570
View as Graph

How Do Software Systems Programmer IVs 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $153,304.
  • California: $152,722.
  • Massachusetts: $150,687.

Top Paying Cities for Software Systems Programmer IV

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: $174,641
  • San Francisco: $172,729
  • Oakland: $169,089

What Skills Can Increase a Software Systems Programmer IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 3.33% 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.
  • Data Processing (Mentioned in 3.33% Job Postings): Data processing is the collection and manipulation of data to produce meaningful information. Data processing is a form of information processing, which is the modification of information in any manner detectable by an observer.
  • Operating System (Mentioned in 3.33% Job Postings): Maintaining software that runs on a computer that serves as an interface between computer hardware components and the user.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 3.33%
Data Processing 3.33%
Operating System 3.33%
See More Skills

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 IV's salary.

  • Staff Training: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • System Maintenance: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Staff Training $150,922
9%
System Maintenance $149,538
8%
Presentation $145,384
5%
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Software Systems Programmer IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software Systems Programmer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $154,999. While startup companies pay approximate $131,126.

Software Systems Programmer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $131,126
Growth Stage 51~500 $138,681
Established 501~5000 $149,679
Enterprise 5000+ $154,999

Software Systems Programmer IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Systems Programmer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Software Systems Programmer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Systems Programmer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Systems Programmer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$152,307$73.010%
Biotechnology$152,307$73.010%
Business Services$152,307$73.010%
Chemicals$152,307$73.010%
Construction$152,307$73.010%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Systems Programmer IV 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $130,688 and $137,644.

Software Systems Programmer IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Software Systems Programmer IV
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%
View as Graph

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

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 August 01, 2026
$130,214
Average $138,461/year
$146,496
$10,851
Average $11,538/month
$12,208
$2,504
Average $2,663/week
$2,817
$63
Average $67/hour
$70
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $146,496 $12,208 $2,817 $70
Average $138,461 $11,538 $2,663 $67
25th Percentile $130,214 $10,851 $2,504 $63

Software Systems Programmer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Systems Programmer IV

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions 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 $165,968 20%
ERP Configuration Manager $143,801 4%
Software Systems Engineer V $165,276 19%
Software Systems Programmer V $159,401 15%

Most common benefits for Software Systems Programmer IV

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

Common company salaries for Software Systems Programmer IV

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

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FAQ about Software Systems Programmer IV

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

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 $174,641.

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

The highest pay for Software Systems Programmer IV is $153,811.

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

The lowest pay for Software Systems Programmer IV is $122,706.

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

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.

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

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Systems Programmer IV roles, with salaries approximately 10% 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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