Systems Programmer Salary in the United States

How much does a Systems Programmer make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems Programmer in the United States is $121,938 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $136,704
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $111,808 to $129,667
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $102,585
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View as table View as graph 25% $111,808 10% $102,585 90% $136,704 75% $129,667 $121,938 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Systems Programmer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $129,667 $10,806 $2,494 $62
Average $121,938 $10,162 $2,345 $59
25th Percentile $111,808 $9,317 $2,150 $54
Check out Systems Programmer Job Openings in the United States
Systems Programmer

Client Solution Architects LLC - DAHLGREN, VA

Security Systems Programmer

MCS of Tampa, Inc - TAMPA, FL

Sr Systems Engineer II

Exelon - KENNETT SQUARE, PA

HVAC Controls Systems Engineer

Johnson Controls - LAS VEGAS, NV

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Key Factors That Influence Systems Programmer Salaries

A Systems 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Systems Programmer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Systems 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $116,667
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $117,451
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $119,018
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $123,643
  • Expert (over 8 years): $125,688
Levels Salary
Entry Level Systems Programmer$116,667
Intermediate Level Systems Programmer$117,451
Senior Level Systems Programmer$119,018
Specialist Level Systems Programmer$123,643
Expert Level Systems Programmer$125,688
$116,667 0 yr
$117,451 < 2 yrs
$119,018 2-4 yrs
$123,643 5-8 yrs
$125,688 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Systems Programmers

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: $153,800
  • San Francisco: $152,288
  • Oakland: $148,911

What Skills Can Increase a Systems Programmer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 6.9% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 3.94% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Electrical Engineering (Mentioned in 2.3% Job Postings): Electrical engineering is a technical discipline concerned with the study, design and application of equipment, devices and systems which use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It emerged as an identified activity in the latter half of the 19th century after commercialization of the electric telegraph, the telephone, and electrical power generation, distribution and use. Electrical engineering is now divided into a wide range of fields including, computer engineering, power engineering, telecommunications, radio-frequency engineering, signal processing, instrumentation, and electronics. Many of these disciplines overlap with other engineering branches, spanning a huge number of specializations including hardware engineering, power electronics, electromagnetics and waves, microwave engineering, nanotechnology, electrochemistry, renewable energies, mechatronics, and electrical materials science. See glossary of electrical and electronics engineering.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 6.9%
Computer Science 3.94%
Electrical Engineering 2.3%
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 Systems Programmer's salary.
  • Computerized Maintenance Management System: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Software Development: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Computerized Maintenance Management System
$129,254
6%
Software Development
$128,035
5%
Coordination
$126,816
4%
KPI
$126,816
4%
Innovation
$125,596
3%
Communication Skills
$125,596
3%
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How Education impacts a Systems Programmer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Systems Programmers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Programmer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $107,351 and $114,186).

Systems Programmer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Systems Programmer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 5.9%
High School 29.4%
Associates 41.2%
Bachelors 41.2%
Masters 23.5%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Systems Programmer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Systems 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.

Last Updated on January 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Systems Programmer

Salaries for a Systems Programmer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $119,518 in 2023 to around $118,394 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Systems Programmer salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Systems Programmer Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$119,518
2024
$119,724
2025
$118,394
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $119,518
2024 $119,724
2025 $118,394
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Systems Programmer

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Systems Programmer

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

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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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