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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a System Development Engineer in Wisconsin is $130,861 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.
However, a System Development Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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System Development Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $142,076 | $11,840 | $2,732 | $68 |
| Average | $130,861 | $10,905 | $2,517 | $63 |
| 25th Percentile | $120,549 | $10,046 | $2,318 | $58 |
Default - Superior, WI
Glenroy, Inc - Menomonee Falls, WI
Yahara Software - Madison, WI
Rapido Talent - Milwaukee, WI
A System Development Engineer'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 Development Engineer'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 Development Engineer | $82,510 |
| Software ... Level System Development Engineer | $106,183 |
| System De... Level System Development Engineer | $130,036 |
| Software ... Level System Development Engineer | $150,445 |
| Software ... Level System Development Engineer | $172,949 |
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 Development Engineers. 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 Development Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 27% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 14% above the average. In contrast, System Development Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view System Development Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $149,181 | $72.0 | 14% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $146,564 | $70.0 | 12% |
| Internet | $145,255 | $70.0 | 11% |
| Biotechnology | $143,947 | $69.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $142,638 | $69.0 | 9% |
Understanding how a System Development Engineer'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 | $142,076 | $11,840 | $2,732 | $68 |
| Average | $130,861 | $10,905 | $2,517 | $63 |
| 25th Percentile | $120,549 | $10,046 | $2,318 | $58 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current System Development Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Rapido Talent
Cudahy, WI
Rapido Talent | Cudahy, WI
At a Glance Company: Rapido Talent (Confidential Manufacturing Client) Location: Delavan, Wisconsin (On-site) Job Type: Full-Time Salary: $90,000–$120,000 ... more
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Thermo Fisher Scientific
Madison, WI
Thermo Fisher Scientific | Madison, WI
This job is with Thermo Fisher Scientific, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. P... more
8 Days Ago
Johnson Health Tech Companies
Cottage Grove, WI
Johnson Health Tech Companies | Cottage Grove, WI
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Lead the Development of Innovative Fitness Products. Are you passionate about engineering, product developme... more
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Johnson Health Tech Companies
Cottage Grove, WI
Johnson Health Tech Companies | Cottage Grove, WI
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Lead the Development of Next-Generation Fitness Products. Johnson Health Tech is seeking an experienced Seni... more
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National Radio Astronomy Observatory
NEWCOMB HALL, VA
National Radio Astronomy Observatory | NEWCOMB HALL, VA
National Radio Astronomy Observatory Title: FPGA System Architect - Electronics Engineer Location: NRAO Central Development Lab, 1180 Boxwood Estate Rd, CH... more
15 Days Ago
ManTech International
TRIANGLE, VA
ManTech International | TRIANGLE, VA
At ManTech, we are dedicated to enhancing the security and integrity of our nation's technological frameworks. As an Information System Security Engineer, ... more
8 Days Ago
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