Computer Systems Engineering Salary in the United States

How much does a Computer Systems Engineering make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Systems Engineering in the United States is $82,817 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.

However, a Computer Systems Engineering's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $98,741
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $75,109 to $91,152
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $68,091

Key Factors That Influence Computer Systems Engineering Salaries

A Computer Systems Engineering'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 Computer Systems Engineering Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Computer Systems Engineering'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $83,352
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $102,348
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $121,689
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $145,333
  • Expert (over 8 years): $166,500
Levels Salary
Computer ... Level Computer Systems Engineering$83,352
Software ... Level Computer Systems Engineering$102,348
Software ... Level Computer Systems Engineering$121,689
Software ... Level Computer Systems Engineering$145,333
Software ... Level Computer Systems Engineering$166,500

Top Paying Cities for Computer Systems Engineerings

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: $104,457
  • San Francisco: $103,313
  • Oakland: $101,136

What Skills Can Increase a Computer Systems Engineering's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7.02% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Azure (Mentioned in 2.71% Job Postings): Microsoft Azure, often referred to as Azure, is a cloud computing service operated by Microsoft for application management via Microsoft-managed data centers.
  • Cisco (Mentioned in 1.62% Job Postings): Cisco Systems, Inc., commonly known as Cisco, is an American-based multinational technology conglomerate corporation headquartered in San Jose, California.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 7.02%
Azure 2.71%
Cisco 1.62%

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 Computer Systems Engineering's salary.

  • IT Infrastructure: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Python: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • AWS: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
IT Infrastructure $91,099
10%
Python $91,099
10%
AWS $91,099
10%

Computer Systems Engineering Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Computer Systems Engineering roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Computer Systems Engineering positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer Systems Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Computer Systems Engineering

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$103,521$50.025%
Biotechnology$99,380$48.020%
Pharmaceuticals$99,380$48.020%
Internet$95,240$46.015%
Energy & Utilities$91,099$44.010%

How Education impacts a Computer Systems Engineering's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Computer Systems Engineerings 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 Computer Systems Engineering with a No Diploma is between $68,885 and $75,174).

Computer Systems Engineering Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Computer Systems Engineering
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.3%
High School 14.3%
Associates 10.4%
Bachelors 61.0%
Masters 13.0%
Doctorate 0.0%

Computer Systems Engineering Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Computer Systems Engineering'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 October 01, 2026
$75,109
Average $82,817/year
$91,152
$6,259
Average $6,901/month
$7,596
$1,444
Average $1,593/week
$1,753
$36
Average $40/hour
$44
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $91,152 $7,596 $1,753 $44
Average $82,817 $6,901 $1,593 $40
25th Percentile $75,109 $6,259 $1,444 $36

Most common benefits for Computer Systems Engineering

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

Common company salaries for Computer Systems Engineering

Here are companies hiring for Computer Systems Engineering and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Computer Systems Engineering

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Computer Systems Engineering?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Computer Systems Engineering 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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