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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a System Programmer in California is $126,323 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a System Programmer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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System Programmer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $134,710 | $11,226 | $2,591 | $65 |
| Average | $126,323 | $10,527 | $2,429 | $61 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,355 | $9,530 | $2,199 | $55 |
PCS Technical Services - CINCINNATI, OH
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6 - SAINT MARYS, MD
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6 - BARSTOW, MD
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6 - CALIFORNIA, MD
A System Programmer'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a System Programmer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level System Programmer | $86,483 |
| Software ... Level System Programmer | $104,556 |
| System Pr... Level System Programmer | $128,817 |
| Software ... Level System Programmer | $150,630 |
| Software ... Level System Programmer | $173,411 |
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 System Programmers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For System Programmer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 200% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 100% above the average. In contrast, System Programmer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view System Programmer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $252,647 | $121.0 | 100% |
Understanding how a System Programmer'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $134,710 | $11,226 | $2,591 | $65 |
| Average | $126,323 | $10,527 | $2,429 | $61 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,355 | $9,530 | $2,199 | $55 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current System Programmer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6
GREAT MILLS, MD
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6 | GREAT MILLS, MD
SimVentions, Inc. seeks a System Administrator to support Defense & Aerospace IT and cybersecurity operations. You’ll manage Windows/Linux servers, network... more
4 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6
LEONARDTOWN, MD
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6 | LEONARDTOWN, MD
SimVentions, Inc. (Glassdoor 4.6) seeks a System Administrator to support Defense & Aerospace programs within our IT & Cybersecurity team. You will configu... more
4 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6
HUGHESVILLE, MD
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6 | HUGHESVILLE, MD
SimVentions, Inc. (Glassdoor 4.6) seeks a System Administrator to support Defense & Aerospace IT and cybersecurity operations. You will deploy, configure, ... more
4 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6
BEACHVILLE, MD
SimVentions, Inc - Glassdoor 4.6 | BEACHVILLE, MD
SimVentions, Inc. seeks a System Administrator to support Defense & Aerospace IT and cybersecurity missions. You will install, configure, and secure Window... more
4 Days Ago
ManTech International
FORT GEORGE G MEADE, MD
ManTech International | FORT GEORGE G MEADE, MD
ManTech International, a leader in mission-critical national security solutions, is seeking a Linux System Administrator to join our Information Technology... more
5 Days Ago
ManTech International
SAVAGE, MD
ManTech International | SAVAGE, MD
ManTech International seeks a System Administrator to support mission-critical national security systems within our Information Technology & Technical Supp... more
5 Days Ago
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