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Systems Software Engineer/Programmer III Salary in the United States

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

As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer III in the United States is $128,723 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $144,198
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $117,553 to $136,823
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $107,383
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View as table View as graph 25% $117,553 10% $107,383 90% $144,198 75% $136,823 $128,723 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Systems Software Engineer/Programmer III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $136,823 $11,402 $2,631 $66
Average $128,723 $10,727 $2,475 $62
25th Percentile $117,553 $9,796 $2,261 $57
Check out Systems Software Engineer/Programmer III Job Openings in the United States
Systems Engineer III

CNA - ARLINGTON, VA

Software Engineer III

Northwestern Mutual - MILWAUKEE, WI

Software Engineer III

JPMorganChase - JERSEY CITY, NJ

Software Engineer III

JPMorganChase - PLANO, TX

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Key Factors That Influence Systems Software Engineer/Programmer III Salaries

A Systems Software Engineer/Programmer III'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 III'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
  • Software Systems Developer II (2-4 years): $109,682
  • Systems Software Engineer/Programmer 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
Software Systems Developer II2-4 years$109,682
Systems Software Engineer/Programmer 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 Software ...
$128,707 Systems S...
$143,157 Software ...
$165,905 Software ...
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What Am I Worth?

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

  • District of Columbia: $142,523.
  • California: $141,983.
  • Massachusetts: $140,093.

Top Paying Cities for Systems Software Engineer/Programmer IIIs

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: $162,353
  • San Francisco: $160,763
  • Oakland: $157,193

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 3.76% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Programming (Mentioned in 3.79% Job Postings): Executing logic to facilitate computing operations and functionality in one or more languages.
  • SQL (Mentioned in 2.54% Job Postings): Structured Query Language) is a domain-specific language used in programming and designed for managing data held in a relational database management system (RDBMS), or for stream processing in a relational data stream management system (RDSMS).
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 3.76%
Programming 3.79%
SQL 2.54%
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 III's salary.
  • Kubernetes: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Docker: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • AWS: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Kubernetes
 $133,872
4%
Docker
 $133,872
4%
AWS
 $132,585
3%
Initiative
 $132,585
3%
Python
 $132,585
3%
Software Engineering
 $132,585
3%
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Systems Software Engineer/Programmer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer III'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
$117,553
Average $128,723/year
$136,823
$9,796
Average $10,727/month
$11,402
$2,261
Average $2,475/week
$2,631
$57
Average $62/hour
$66
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $136,823 $11,402 $2,631 $66
Average $128,723 $10,727 $2,475 $62
25th Percentile $117,553 $9,796 $2,261 $57

Systems Software Engineer/Programmer III Salary Growth & Career Path

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

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer III, 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 III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Systems Applications Developer IV $143,200 11%
Enterprise Applications Developer IV $149,000 16%
Enterprise Systems Engineer IV $144,200 12%
IT Systems Programmer IV $138,500 8%

Salaries of jobs related to Systems Software Engineer/Programmer III

Salary Trends for Systems Software Engineer/Programmer III

Salaries for a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $116,660 in 2023 to around $114,919 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Systems Software Engineer/Programmer III salary trends, .

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

2022
$???
2023
$116,660
2024
$116,258
2025
$114,919
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $116,660
2024 $116,258
2025 $114,919
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Systems Software Engineer/Programmer III

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

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

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FAQ about Systems Software Engineer/Programmer III

1. What is the difference between a system engineer and a software engineer?

A systems engineer focuses on the overall system architecture and integration, ensuring all components work together effectively. In contrast, a software engineer specializes in designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. Salary data for a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer shows a minimum of $111,843, a mid-range of $124,973, and a maximum of $137,963.

2. Which software engineer has highest salary in USA?

The Systems Software Engineer/Programmer role has a salary range with a minimum of $111,843, a mid-point of $124,973, and a maximum of $137,963. While other roles like Full Stack Developer and DevOps Engineer have competitive salaries, the Systems Software Engineer/Programmer position offers a strong earning potential within the software engineering field.

3. How much does a software engineer III make in the US?

The estimated total pay for a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer in the US ranges from $111,843 to $137,963 per year, with a mid-salary of $124,973. These figures reflect the typical salary range for this role, based on collected data.

4. What is the salary of Software Engineer III in Google USA?

The salary for a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer at Google USA typically ranges from $111,843 to $137,963, with a mid-point salary of $124,973. This range reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position, which may vary based on role, level, and location, along with additional bonuses, equity, and benefits.

5. What are the highest paid developers?

The highest paid developers include roles like Systems Software Engineer/Programmer, with salaries ranging from $111,843 to $137,963. Other lucrative positions are full stack developers, data scientists, and IT security specialists. These roles often command competitive salaries due to their specialized skills and the demand in the tech industry.

6. Can you make 500k a year as a software engineer?

While it's possible for some software engineers to earn high salaries, the typical salary range for a Systems Software Engineer/Programmer is between $111,843 and $137,963. Achieving a $500,000 annual salary would generally require significant experience, specialized skills, or a high-level position in a major tech company.

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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