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Software Systems Engineer IV Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Engineer IV in the United States is $144,250 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $162,856
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $135,706 to $153,989
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $127,927

Key Factors That Influence Software Systems Engineer IV Salaries

A Software Systems Engineer 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 Engineer IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Systems Engineer 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 Engineer II (2-4 years): $101,588
  • Software Systems Engineer III (4-7 years): $117,848
  • Software Systems Engineer IV (7+ years): $144,250
  • Software Systems Engineer V (7-10 years): $165,276
  • Software Systems Engineering Supervisor (10+ years): $139,266
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Systems Engineer II2-4 years$101,588
Software Systems Engineer III4-7 years$117,848
Software Systems Engineer IV7+ years$144,250
Software Systems Engineer V7-10 years$165,276
Software Systems Engineering Supervisor10+ years$139,266

Top Paying Cities for Software Systems Engineer 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: $181,943
  • San Francisco: $179,950
  • Oakland: $176,158

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 8.39% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Active Directory (Mentioned in 2.19% Job Postings): Active Directory (AD) is Microsoft's proprietary directory service. It runs on Windows Server and enables administrators to manage permissions and access to network resources.
  • Installation (Mentioned in 1.83% Job Postings): The action or process of installing someone or something, or of being installed. the act of installing the state of being installed, something that is installed for use.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 8.39%
Active Directory 2.19%
Installation 1.83%

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 Engineer IV's salary.

  • Program Management: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Systems Architecture: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Open Source: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Program Management $152,905
6%
Systems Architecture $150,020
4%
Open Source $150,020
4%

Software Systems Engineer IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software Systems Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $161,480. While startup companies pay approximate $136,608.

Software Systems Engineer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $136,608
Growth Stage 51~500 $144,479
Established 501~5000 $155,937
Enterprise 5000+ $161,480

Software Systems Engineer IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Systems Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Software Systems Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Systems Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Systems Engineer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$180,312$87.025%
Internet$180,312$87.025%
Software & Networking$180,312$87.025%
Financial Services$173,100$83.020%
Pharmaceuticals$173,100$83.020%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Systems Engineer 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 Engineer IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $130,636 and $138,041.

Software Systems Engineer IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Software Systems Engineer IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 4.1%
High School 16.3%
Associates 6.1%
Bachelors 55.1%
Masters 16.3%
Doctorate 2.0%

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

Understanding how a Software Systems Engineer 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
$135,706
Average $144,250/year
$153,989
$11,309
Average $12,021/month
$12,832
$2,610
Average $2,774/week
$2,961
$65
Average $69/hour
$74
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $153,989 $12,832 $2,961 $74
Average $144,250 $12,021 $2,774 $69
25th Percentile $135,706 $11,309 $2,610 $65

Software Systems Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Systems Engineer 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.

Software Systems Engineer IV Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Software Systems Developer V $165,968 15%
ERP Configuration Manager $143,801 0%
Software Systems Engineer V $165,276 15%
Software Systems Programmer V $159,401 11%

Most common benefits for Software Systems Engineer IV

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

Common company salaries for Software Systems Engineer IV

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

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FAQ about Software Systems Engineer IV

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

A Software Systems Engineer 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 Engineer IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Systems Engineer IV is $181,943.

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

The highest pay for Software Systems Engineer IV is $162,856.

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

The lowest pay for Software Systems Engineer IV is $127,927.

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

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 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 Engineer IV?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Systems Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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