upper level job

Software Systems Programmer V Salary in the United States

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

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Programmer V in the United States is $159,367 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $77.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $178,015
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $151,723 to $169,128
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $144,764
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
Recruit with AI
AI-Powered HR
View as table View as graph 25% $151,723 10% $144,764 90% $178,015 75% $169,128 $159,367 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Systems Programmer V Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $169,128 $14,094 $3,252 $81
Average $159,367 $13,281 $3,065 $77
25th Percentile $151,723 $12,644 $2,918 $73
Check out Software Systems Programmer V Job Openings in the United States
Software Systems Engineer

ASD, Inc. - BOULDER, CO

Senior Software Engineer

Moseley Technical Services, Inc. - SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Advanced Embedded Software Engineer

GeoLogics Corporation - CANONSBURG, PA

Advanced Software Engineer

GeoLogics Corporation - CANONSBURG, PA

Search More Software Systems Programmer V Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Software Systems Programmer V Salaries

A Software Systems Programmer V'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 V Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Systems Programmer V'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): $156,287
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $156,857
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $157,085
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $158,226
  • Expert (over 8 years): $159,658
Levels Salary
Entry Level Software Systems Programmer V$156,287
Intermediate Level Software Systems Programmer V$156,857
Senior Level Software Systems Programmer V$157,085
Specialist Level Software Systems Programmer V$158,226
Expert Level Software Systems Programmer V$159,658
$156,287 0 yr
$156,857 < 2 yrs
$157,085 2-4 yrs
$158,226 5-8 yrs
$159,658 > 8 yrs
View as Table
View as Graph

What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software Systems Programmer Vs

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: $201,010
  • San Francisco: $199,033
  • Oakland: $194,619

What Skills Can Increase a Software Systems Programmer V'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.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 3.33%
Data Processing 3.33%
Operating System 3.33%
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 V's salary.
  • Configuration Management: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Unix: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Computer Hardware: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Configuration Management
$180,085
13%
Unix
$175,304
10%
Computer Hardware
$173,710
9%
Linux
$172,116
8%
Remote Management
$170,523
7%
Computer Engineering
$170,523
7%
Get Latest Data

How Education impacts a Software Systems Programmer V's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Systems Programmer Vs 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 V with a Associate's Degree is between $159,830 and $167,462).

Software Systems Programmer V Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Software Systems Programmer V
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 15.4%
High School 15.4%
Associates 10.8%
Bachelors 49.2%
Masters 23.1%
Doctorate 1.5%
view as graph

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

Understanding how a Software Systems Programmer V'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

Software Systems Programmer V Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Systems Programmer V, 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 V Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Software Systems Developer VI $191,650 20%
ERP Configuration Manager $143,750 -10%
Software Systems Engineering Supervisor $139,152 -13%
Software Systems Programming Manager $161,396 1%

Salary Trends for Software Systems Programmer V

Salaries for a Software Systems Programmer V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $153,943 in 2023 to around $150,124 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Systems Programmer V salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Software Systems Programmer V Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$153,943
2024
$152,013
2025
$150,124
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $153,943
2024 $152,013
2025 $150,124
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Software Systems Programmer V

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

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.

Compensation Planning

Common company salaries for Software Systems Programmer V

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

Find Your Next Software Systems Programmer V Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Systems Programmer V job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
For Employees

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.

For Employers

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.

FAQ about Software Systems Programmer V

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

A Software Systems Programmer V'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 V earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Systems Programmer V is $201,010.

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

The highest pay for Software Systems Programmer V is $178,015.

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

The lowest pay for Software Systems Programmer V is $144,764.

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

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. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job