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Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II Salary in the United States

How much does a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II make in the United States?

As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II in the United States is $109,703 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $126,744
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $99,863 to $118,623
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $90,904
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View as table View as graph 25% $99,863 10% $90,904 90% $126,744 75% $118,623 $109,703 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $118,623 $9,885 $2,281 $57
Average $109,703 $9,142 $2,110 $53
25th Percentile $99,863 $8,322 $1,920 $48
Check out Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II Job Openings in the United States
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LEAD SYSTEMS SOFTWARE ENGINEER

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Key Factors That Influence Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II Salaries

A Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Systems Software Engineer/Programmer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II'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:

  • Software Systems Developer I (0-2 years): $79,808
  • Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II (2-4 years): $109,682
  • Software Systems Developer III (4-7 years): $128,707
  • Software Systems Developer IV (7+ years): $143,157
  • Software Systems Developer V (7-10 years): $165,905
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Systems Developer I0-2 years$79,808
Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II2-4 years$109,682
Software Systems Developer III4-7 years$128,707
Software Systems Developer IV7+ years$143,157
Software Systems Developer V7-10 years$165,905
$79,808 Software ...
$109,682 Systems S...
$128,707 Software ...
$143,157 Software ...
$165,905 Software ...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II 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 Software Engineer/Programmer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $121,453.
  • California: $120,993.
  • Massachusetts: $119,383.

Top Paying Cities for Systems Software Engineer/Programmer IIs

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: $138,363
  • San Francisco: $137,003
  • Oakland: $133,963

What Skills Can Increase a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.94% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Python (Mentioned in 3.21% Job Postings): Applying the concepts and algorithms of Python to design, develop and maintain software applications to comply with business requirements.
  • VMware (Mentioned in 2.15% Job Postings): Applying the VMware software to develop multiple virtual computer systems within a single server.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 4.94%
Python 3.21%
VMware 2.15%
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 Software Engineer/Programmer II's salary.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Systems Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Linux: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Collaboration
 $112,994
3%
Systems Engineering
 $112,994
3%
Linux
 $111,897
2%
Leadership
 $111,897
2%
Agile
 $111,897
2%
Software Development
 $111,897
2%
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Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II'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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on May 18, 2021
$99,863
Average $109,703/year
$118,623
$8,322
Average $9,142/month
$9,885
$1,920
Average $2,110/week
$2,281
$48
Average $53/hour
$57
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $118,623 $9,885 $2,281 $57
Average $109,703 $9,142 $2,110 $53
25th Percentile $99,863 $8,322 $1,920 $48

Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II Salary Growth & Career Path

Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II
Senior Software Systems Developer
Enterprise Applications Developer III
Enterprise Systems Engineer III
IT Systems Programmer III
SVP of Systems Applications Development
ERP Business Systems Integration Manager
Enterprise Systems Engineer IV
IT Systems Programmer IV

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Senior Software Systems Developer $128,800 17%
Enterprise Applications Developer III $128,800 17%
Enterprise Systems Engineer III $117,900 7%
IT Systems Programmer III $118,500 8%

Salaries of jobs related to Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II

Salary Trends for Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II

Salaries for a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $100,895 in 2023 to around $99,991 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$100,895
2024
$100,767
2025
$99,991
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $100,895
2024 $100,767
2025 $99,991
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II

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

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

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FAQ about Systems Software Engineer/Programmer II

1. How much do system programmers make in the US?

Systems Software Engineers/Programmers in the US earn between $89,273 and $111,803 annually, with a median salary of $100,053. This reflects a competitive salary range, indicating strong demand for skilled professionals in this field.

2. What is the highest salary of programmer in USA?

The highest salary for a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer in the USA can reach up to $111,803 per year. While cities like Austin, TX, report salaries around $108,391, the overall salary range for this role typically spans from a minimum of $89,273 to a mid-level of $100,053, reflecting variations across different locations.

3. What level is software engineer 2 at Microsoft?

The Software Engineer 2 position at Microsoft corresponds to Level 62. The salary range for this role typically falls between $89,273 and $111,803, with a midpoint of approximately $100,053. This level reflects a solid foundation in software engineering skills and responsibilities.

4. How much does a system development engineer II make at Amazon?

The salary for a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer typically ranges from $89,273 to $111,803, with a midpoint of $100,053. While the average base salary for a Systems Development Engineer II at Amazon is reported to be around $123K per year, this figure may vary based on experience and specific role responsibilities.

5. What is the highest paying job?

The highest paying job in the field of Systems Software Engineering/Programming offers a salary range from $89,273 to $111,803, with a mid-salary of $100,053. This competitive compensation reflects the demand for skilled professionals in this area, making it a lucrative career choice.

6. How much does a system engineer 2 at Microsoft make?

The salary for a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer typically ranges from $89,273 to $111,803, with a midpoint of $100,053. This suggests that a Systems Engineer II at Microsoft may earn within this range, reflecting industry standards for similar roles.

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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