upper level job

Software Systems Engineering Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Systems Engineering Manager make in the United States?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Systems Engineering Manager in the United States is $150,865 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $73.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $177,239
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $140,487 to $164,670
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $131,038
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered Talent
AI Onboarding
Salary Salary + Bonus Benefits
Paid Annually Paid Monthly Paid Semimonthly Paid Biweekly Paid Weekly Paid Hourly
View as table View as graph 25% $140,487 10% $131,038 90% $177,239 75% $164,670 $150,865 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Systems Engineering Manager Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $164,670 $13,723 $3,167 $79
Average $150,865 $12,572 $2,901 $73
25th Percentile $140,487 $11,707 $2,702 $68
Check out Software Systems Engineering Manager Job Openings in the United States
Specialist Software Engineering

L3Harris Technologies - Mason, OH

IT Software Quality Engineering Lead Performance

EVERSANA - Mason, OH

Lead Software Engineering

L3Harris Technologies - Blanchester, OH

Lead Software Engineering

L3Harris Technologies - Oxford, OH

Search More Software Systems Engineering Manager Jobs in the United States
Select State
Select City
Choose Similar Job
Choose Category
Cost of Living
Hourly Wages
See it in Action

Key Factors That Influence Software Systems Engineering Manager Salaries

A Software Systems Engineering Manager'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 Software Systems Engineering Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Systems Engineering Manager'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 Engineer V (7-10 years): $165,274
  • Software Systems Engineering Supervisor (10+ years): $139,200
  • Software Systems Engineering Manager (10+ years): $150,865
  • Software Systems Engineering Senior Manager (10+ years): $169,856
  • Software Systems Engineering Director (10+ years): $193,749
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Systems Engineer V7-10 years$165,274
Software Systems Engineering Supervisor10+ years$139,200
Software Systems Engineering Manager10+ years$150,865
Software Systems Engineering Senior Manager10+ years$169,856
Software Systems Engineering Director10+ years$193,749
$165,274 Software ...
$139,200 Software ...
$150,865 Software ...
$169,856 Software ...
$193,749 Software ...
View as Table
View as Graph

What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software Systems Engineering Managers

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: $190,286
  • San Francisco: $188,415
  • Oakland: $184,236

What Skills Can Increase a Software Systems Engineering Manager's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 9.41% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Linux (Mentioned in 1.76% Job Postings): Managing a system's hardware and resources using a Unix-like open-source operating system.
  • Azure (Mentioned in 1.29% Job Postings): Microsoft Azure, often referred to as Azure, is a cloud computing service operated by Microsoft for application management via Microsoft-managed data centers.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 9.41%
Linux 1.76%
Azure 1.29%
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 Software Systems Engineering Manager's salary.
  • System Integration: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • AWS: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Systems Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
System Integration
 $178,021
18%
AWS
 $178,021
18%
Systems Engineering
 $178,021
18%
Program Management
 $176,512
17%
Security Clearance
 $176,512
17%
Project Engineering
 $175,003
16%
Get Latest Data

How Education impacts a Software Systems Engineering Manager's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Systems Engineering Managers enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Software Systems Engineering Manager with a No Diploma is between $147,361 and $156,594).

Software Systems Engineering Manager Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Software Systems Engineering Manager
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 10.0%
High School 10.0%
Associates 20.0%
Bachelors 70.0%
Masters 20.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
view as graph

Software Systems Engineering Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Systems Engineering Manager'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 April 01, 2026
$140,487
Average $150,865/year
$164,670
$11,707
Average $12,572/month
$13,723
$2,702
Average $2,901/week
$3,167
$68
Average $73/hour
$79
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $164,670 $13,723 $3,167 $79
Average $150,865 $12,572 $2,901 $73
25th Percentile $140,487 $11,707 $2,702 $68

Software Systems Engineering Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Systems Engineering Manager
Software Systems Development Senior Manager
ERP Configuration Senior Manager
Software Systems Engineering Senior Manager
SVP of Software Systems Development
ERP Configuration Director
Software Systems Engineering Director

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Software Systems Engineering Manager, 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.

Software Systems Engineering Manager Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Software Systems Development Senior Manager $178,832 19%
ERP Configuration Senior Manager $165,683 10%
Software Systems Engineering Senior Manager $169,856 13%

Salaries of jobs related to Software Systems Engineering Manager

Most common benefits for Software Systems Engineering Manager

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
For Employers

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.

Compensation Planning

Common company salaries for Software Systems Engineering Manager

Here are companies hiring for Software Systems Engineering Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Software Systems Engineering Manager Job

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

United States
For Employees

Get a Salary Increase

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Search Job Openings

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

For Employers

Adjust Employee Salary

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Price My Industry Jobs

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

FAQ about Software Systems Engineering Manager

1. Where can a Software Systems Engineering Manager earn the most?

A Software Systems Engineering Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Software Systems Engineering Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Systems Engineering Manager is $190,286.

2. What is the highest pay for Software Systems Engineering Manager?

The highest pay for Software Systems Engineering Manager is $177,239.

3. What is the lowest pay for Software Systems Engineering Manager?

The lowest pay for Software Systems Engineering Manager is $131,038.

4. What are the responsibilities of Software Systems Engineering Manager?

Manages the design, development, and maintenance of an organization's systems infrastructure. Reviews code to ensure the functionality and reliability of operating systems, drivers, and utility tools. Guides the team in updating system installation documentation and troubleshooting complex issues. Coordinates end-user support activities and ensures best practices are followed. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job