Systems Programming Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems Programming in the United States is $117,095 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $131,234
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $107,376 to $124,496
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $98,527
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View as table View as graph 25% $107,376 10% $98,527 90% $131,234 75% $124,496 $117,095 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Systems Programming Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $124,496 $10,375 $2,394 $60
Average $117,095 $9,758 $2,252 $56
25th Percentile $107,376 $8,948 $2,065 $52
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Key Factors That Influence Systems Programming Salaries

A Systems Programming'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 Programming Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Systems Programming'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): $78,248
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $94,600
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $116,551
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $136,287
  • Expert (over 8 years): $156,898
Levels Salary
Software ... Level Systems Programming$78,248
Software ... Level Systems Programming$94,600
Systems P... Level Systems Programming$116,551
Software ... Level Systems Programming$136,287
Software ... Level Systems Programming$156,898
$78,248 0 yr
$94,600 < 2 yrs
$116,551 2-4 yrs
$136,287 5-8 yrs
$156,898 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Systems Programming Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Programmings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $129,648.
  • California: $129,156.
  • Massachusetts: $127,434.

Top Paying Cities for Systems Programmings

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: $147,692
  • San Francisco: $146,075
  • Oakland: $142,996

What Skills Can Increase a Systems Programming'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 Programming'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
$124,121
6%
Software Development
$122,950
5%
Coordination
$121,779
4%
KPI
$121,779
4%
Innovation
$120,608
3%
Communication Skills
$120,608
3%
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Systems Programming Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Systems Programming roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 200% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 100% above the average. In contrast, Systems Programming positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Systems Programming as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Systems Programming

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$234,190$113.0100%

How Education impacts a Systems Programming's Salary?

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

Systems Programming Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Systems Programming
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 Programming Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Systems Programming'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 August 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Systems Programming

Salaries for a Systems Programming can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $114,828 in 2023 to around $113,748 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Systems Programming salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Systems Programming Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$114,828
2024
$115,026
2025
$113,748
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $114,828
2024 $115,026
2025 $113,748
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Systems Programming

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

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

Find Your Next Systems Programming Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Systems Programming job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Maxim Healthcare

    Columbus, OH

    Maxim Healthcare | Columbus, OH

    Private duty nursing (PDN) allows medically fragile patients to receive quality, skilled nursing care in the comfort of their home: a setting preferred by ... more

    15 Days Ago

  • XPO

    Columbus, OH

    CDL

    XPO | Columbus, OH

    XPO is Hiring Driver Teams. XPO Teams. As an XPO Team, you’ll run dedicated routes between XPO facilities in. new sleeper. trucks equipped with microwaves ... more

    15 Days Ago

  • Schneider

    Columbus, OH

    Schneider | Columbus, OH

    CDL-A - Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Average pay. $1,200-$1,450 weekly. Home time. Daily. Experience. Al... more

    16 Days Ago

  • Summit Recruiting Group

    Columbus, OH

    Summit Recruiting Group | Columbus, OH

    NP/PA Dermatology job opening in Columbus, OHPosition Details. Full-time, permanent opening. Experience required. Well-Established Practice. Seeking a NP/P... more

    17 Days Ago

  • Family Dollar

    Columbus, OH

    Family Dollar | Columbus, OH

    Customer Service Associate. We're seeking a Customer Service Associate to join our team and deliver a great shopping experience for every customer. Duties ... more

    18 Days Ago

  • GO Staffing

    Columbus, OH

    GO Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Locums - A well respected group has a Trauma Surgery APP opportunity available in Columbus, Ohio. Certified Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. 1/1/... more

    18 Days Ago

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FAQ about Systems Programming

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Systems Programming?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Systems Programming roles, with salaries approximately 100% 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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