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Software Systems Programming Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Systems Programming Manager make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Programming Manager in the United States is $161,570 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $78.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $198,717
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $152,188 to $181,014
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $143,646
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Software Systems Programming Manager Salaries

A Software Systems Programming Manager'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 Programming Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Systems Programming Manager'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 Programming Managers 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 Programming Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $178,890.
  • California: $178,212.
  • Massachusetts: $175,837.

Top Paying Cities for Software Systems Programming Manager

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: $203,788
  • San Francisco: $201,557
  • Oakland: $197,309

Software Systems Programming Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software Systems Programming Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $180,868. While startup companies pay approximate $153,010.

Software Systems Programming Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $153,010
Growth Stage 51~500 $161,827
Established 501~5000 $174,660
Enterprise 5000+ $180,868

Software Systems Programming Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Systems Programming Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Software Systems Programming Manager positions in Hospitality & Leisure or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Systems Programming Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Systems Programming Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$193,884$93.020%
Software & Networking$193,884$93.020%
Energy & Utilities$185,806$89.015%
Internet$185,806$89.015%
Chemicals$169,648$82.05%

How Education impacts an Software Systems Programming Manager's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Systems Programming Manager 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 Programming Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $151,836 and $160,098.

Software Systems Programming Manager Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Software Systems Programming Manager
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 3.8%
High School 7.7%
Associates 5.8%
Bachelors 42.3%
Masters 36.5%
Doctorate 3.8%
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Software Systems Programming Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Systems Programming Manager'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
$152,188
Average $161,570/year
$181,014
$12,682
Average $13,464/month
$15,085
$2,927
Average $3,107/week
$3,481
$73
Average $78/hour
$87
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $181,014 $15,085 $3,481 $87
Average $161,570 $13,464 $3,107 $78
25th Percentile $152,188 $12,682 $2,927 $73

Software Systems Programming Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Systems Programming Manager

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Systems Programming Manager, 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 Development Senior Manager $178,852 11%
ERP Configuration Senior Manager $165,704 3%
Software Systems Engineering Senior Manager $169,777 5%

Most common benefits for Software Systems Programming Manager

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

Common company salaries for Software Systems Programming Manager

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

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FAQ about Software Systems Programming Manager

1. Where can a Software Systems Programming Manager earn the most?

A Software Systems Programming Manager'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 Programming Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Systems Programming Manager is $203,788.

2. What is the highest pay for Software Systems Programming Manager?

The highest pay for Software Systems Programming Manager is $198,717.

3. What is the lowest pay for Software Systems Programming Manager?

The lowest pay for Software Systems Programming Manager is $143,646.

4. What are the responsibilities of Software Systems Programming Manager?

Oversees a staff responsible for the development, installation, and modification of operating systems. Develops policies and procedures related to the deployment and maintenance of the organization's operating systems. Explores the future operating system needs of the organization and provides technical leadership to the operating team. Monitors the development of scripts and code to customize and configure platforms and infrastructure. Reviews specifications and technical documentation for accuracy and completeness. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Software Systems Programming Manager?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Systems Programming Manager roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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