As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems Software Developer in the United States is $99,519 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Systems Software Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Systems Software Developer'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 Software Developer'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 Software Developer | $96,889 |
| Intermediate Level Systems Software Developer | $97,663 |
| Senior Level Systems Software Developer | $100,962 |
| Specialist Level Systems Software Developer | $104,718 |
| Expert Level Systems Software Developer | $104,986 |
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 Software Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.91% |
| Software Development | 4.42% |
| CSS | 2.75% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Python
|
$102,504 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$101,509 |
2%
|
|
AWS
|
$101,509 |
2%
|
|
Azure
|
$100,514 |
1%
|
|
Analysis
|
$100,514 |
1%
|
|
Insight
|
$100,514 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Systems Software Developers enter the field with a Associate's Degree 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 Software Developer with a Associate's Degree is between $90,711 and $96,371).
Systems Software Developer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 10.0% |
| Associates | 9.3% |
| Bachelors | 61.1% |
| Masters | 18.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.7% |
Understanding how a Systems Software Developer'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 Software Developer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $99,719 in 2023 to around $99,421 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Systems Software Developer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $99,719 |
| 2024 | $100,149 |
| 2025 | $99,421 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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