As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems Application Engineer I in the United States is $117,758 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, a Systems Application Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Systems Application Engineer I'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 Systems Application Engineer I'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Systems Application Engineer I | $112,910 |
| Intermediate Level Systems Application Engineer I | $113,586 |
| Senior Level Systems Application Engineer I | $114,938 |
| Specialist Level Systems Application Engineer I | $120,132 |
| Expert Level Systems Application Engineer I | $122,980 |
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 Systems Application Engineer Is. 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
|
$120,113 |
2%
|
|
Agile
|
$120,113 |
2%
|
|
DevOps
|
$120,113 |
2%
|
|
Systems Architecture
|
$120,113 |
2%
|
|
AWS
|
$120,113 |
2%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$120,113 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Systems Application Engineer Is 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 Systems Application Engineer I with a No Diploma is between $110,741 and $116,673).
Systems Application Engineer I 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 Systems Application Engineer I'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Systems Application Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $118,556 in 2023 to around $118,982 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Systems Application Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $118,556 |
| 2024 | $120,199 |
| 2025 | $118,982 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Systems Application Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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