As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Engineer III in the United States is $117,848 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, a Software Systems Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Systems Engineer III'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 Engineer III'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Systems Engineer I | 0-2 years | $82,728 |
| Software Systems Engineer II | 2-4 years | $101,584 |
| Software Systems Engineer III | 4-7 years | $117,848 |
| Software Systems Engineer IV | 7+ years | $144,243 |
| Software Systems Engineer V | 7-10 years | $165,276 |
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 Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.66% |
| Python | 2.51% |
| Kubernetes | 1.73% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Kubernetes
|
$120,205 |
2%
|
|
Agile
|
$120,205 |
2%
|
|
DevOps
|
$120,205 |
2%
|
|
Systems Architecture
|
$120,205 |
2%
|
|
AWS
|
$120,205 |
2%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$120,205 |
2%
|
Software Systems Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $131,812. While startup companies pay approximate $111,474.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $111,474 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $117,901 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $127,290 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $131,812 |
For Software Systems Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Software Systems Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Systems Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $164,987 | $79.0 | 40% |
| Energy & Utilities | $135,525 | $65.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $131,990 | $63.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $127,276 | $61.0 | 8% |
| Biotechnology | $123,740 | $59.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Systems Engineer IIIs enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Engineer III with a No Diploma is between $110,741 and $116,673).
Software Systems Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.9% |
| High School | 22.2% |
| Associates | 5.6% |
| Bachelors | 55.6% |
| Masters | 14.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Software Systems Engineer III'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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Systems Engineer III, 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 IV | $143,169 | 21% |
| ERP Configuration Specialist IV | $149,107 | 27% |
| Software Systems Engineer IV | $144,243 | 22% |
| Software Systems Programmer IV | $138,458 | 17% |
Salaries for a Software Systems Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $119,452 in 2023 to around $119,881 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Systems Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $119,452 |
| 2024 | $121,107 |
| 2025 | $119,881 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Software Systems Engineer III'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 Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Systems Engineer III is $148,642.
The highest pay for Software Systems Engineer III is $138,288.
The lowest pay for Software Systems Engineer III is $100,423.
Designs, develops, supports, and maintains the organization's systems infrastructure. Writes code that ensures functionality of operating systems, drivers, and utility tools. Updates system related installation documentation and performs end-user support. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Systems Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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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