Software Systems Programming Manager Salary in the United States

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

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Programming Manager in the United States is $161,396 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): $198,613
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $152,039 to $180,877
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $143,520
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View as table View as graph 25% $152,039 10% $143,520 90% $198,613 75% $180,877 $161,396 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Systems Programming Manager Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $180,877 $15,073 $3,478 $87
Average $161,396 $13,450 $3,104 $78
25th Percentile $152,039 $12,670 $2,924 $73
Check out Software Systems Programming Manager Job Openings in the United States
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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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $157,905
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $158,324
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $159,301
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $160,418
  • Expert (over 8 years): $161,978
Levels Salary
Entry Level Software Systems Programming Manager$157,905
Intermediate Level Software Systems Programming Manager$158,324
Senior Level Software Systems Programming Manager$159,301
Specialist Level Software Systems Programming Manager$160,418
Expert Level Software Systems Programming Manager$161,978
$157,905 0 yr
$158,324 < 2 yrs
$159,301 2-4 yrs
$160,418 5-8 yrs
$161,978 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software Systems Programming Managers

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: $203,569
  • San Francisco: $201,567
  • Oakland: $197,097

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Systems Programming Managers enter the field with a Bachelor'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 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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on January 01, 2026
$152,039
Average $161,396/year
$180,877
$12,670
Average $13,450/month
$15,073
$2,924
Average $3,104/week
$3,478
$73
Average $78/hour
$87
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $180,877 $15,073 $3,478 $87
Average $161,396 $13,450 $3,104 $78
25th Percentile $152,039 $12,670 $2,924 $73

Software Systems Programming Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Systems Programming Manager
Software Systems Development Senior Manager
ERP Configuration Senior Manager
Software Systems Engineering Senior Manager
SVP of Software Systems Development
ERP Configuration Director
Software Systems Engineering Director

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.

Software Systems Programming Manager Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Software Systems Development Senior Manager $178,818 11%
ERP Configuration Senior Manager $165,668 3%
Software Systems Engineering Senior Manager $169,921 5%

Salaries of jobs related to Software Systems Programming Manager

Salary Trends for Software Systems Programming Manager

Salaries for a Software Systems Programming Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $158,927 in 2023 to around $157,230 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Systems Programming Manager salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Software Systems Programming Manager Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$158,927
2024
$158,274
2025
$157,230
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
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2023 $158,927
2024 $158,274
2025 $157,230
2026
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2027
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Most common benefits for Software Systems Programming Manager

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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 $203,569.

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

The highest pay for Software Systems Programming Manager is $198,613.

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

The lowest pay for Software Systems Programming Manager is $143,520.

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.

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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