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$40.5K

$117.1K

$185.5K

How much do systems software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems software developer in the United States is $117,074.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Systems Software Developers?

Systems Software Developers are professionals who design, build, and maintain the foundational software that enables computers and devices to function. They work on operating systems, device drivers, and system utilities, ensuring that hardware and software work together efficiently. These developers often collaborate with hardware engineers and focus on performance, security, and reliability. Their work is critical for creating stable platforms upon which application software and user-facing programs run.

What is the difference between Systems Software Developer vs Software Engineer?

AspectSystems Software DeveloperSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; often certifications in systems or networkingBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or Software Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentFocus on low-level system software, operating systems, embedded systemsDevelops applications, web, mobile, or enterprise software across various environments
Industry UsagePrimarily in hardware, OS development, embedded systemsAcross tech, finance, healthcare, and more industries

Systems Software Developers specialize in creating and maintaining system-level software like operating systems and embedded systems, while Software Engineers develop a broader range of applications and software solutions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their focus areas and work environments differ significantly.

What does a system software developer do?

A system software developer designs, develops, and maintains system software such as operating systems, device drivers, and utility programs. They often work with programming languages like C or C++ and use development tools to optimize system performance and stability. Their role requires strong problem-solving skills and understanding of hardware-software interactions.

What are some common challenges Systems Software Developers face when working on large-scale projects?

Systems Software Developers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as maintaining compatibility across different hardware platforms, ensuring the software is optimized for performance, and managing complex dependencies between system components. Effective communication with cross-functional teams, such as hardware engineers and application developers, is critical to address integration issues. Additionally, keeping up with evolving technologies and adhering to strict security standards can add to the complexity of the role.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior systems software developers, especially those with expertise in high-demand areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, or AI, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often working in high-paying industries or companies, sometimes with additional bonuses or stock options.

Will AI replace developers in 2026?

Systems Software Developers will continue to play a crucial role in designing, coding, and maintaining software systems, even as AI tools automate certain tasks. While AI can assist with code generation and testing, human expertise is essential for complex problem-solving, system architecture, and ethical considerations. Developers who adapt by learning AI integration and advanced programming skills will remain valuable in the evolving tech landscape.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Systems Software Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Systems Software Developer, you need strong programming skills in languages like C, C++, or Rust, a solid understanding of computer architecture, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with operating systems internals, version control systems such as Git, and sometimes certifications in relevant technologies are common requirements. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving are vital soft skills that distinguish top performers. These abilities ensure the development of reliable, efficient, and secure system-level software that supports critical computing infrastructure.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those working in high-demand areas like Silicon Valley or at major tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills in areas such as systems architecture or machine learning, and often involves leadership responsibilities or executive-level roles.
More about Systems Software Developer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Software Developer jobs? The most popular types of Systems Software Developer jobs are:
What states have the most Systems Software Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Systems Software Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Systems Software Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Systems Software Developer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Systems Software Developer jobs? For Systems Software Developer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Systems Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Software Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,074 per year, or $56.3 per hour.
Software Developer (Systems Software)

Software Developer (Systems Software)

J5 Consulting

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

J5 Consulting is a Maryland based company established in 2006 to provide computing and consulting services for government and commercial entities. Our services improve Information System networking performance and compliance and protect electronic assets from loss and compromise. We welcome your application to receive consideration for the following position.

This position is available immediately.

Job Overview:

The Customer is seeking creative and dedicated professionals to fulfill their career goals and objectives, while delivering mission excellence on programs of national importance.  The Software Developer will be a part of an integrated team to create, update, and maintain a federated search and discovery software system to integrate data related to financial information from a variety of data providers within a cloud environment. The developer will utilize an Agile Scrum development methodology throughout this process.  
Responsibilities include:

  • Java Full Stack Web Development
  • Developing a user friendly web application
  • Developing new features and enhancements to web application to allow users to search and correlate financial information related to their mission
  • Developing APIs and web services
  • Creating and maintaining AWS Cloud infrastructure

Contractor shall have the following required skills, certifications and demonstrated experience:

  1. Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Management Systems, or a related discipline. Note that years of experience can be substituted in lieu of degree.
  2. Five (5) or more years of demonstrated experience in the following:
  3. Working within an Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud environment and utilizing tools such as SMS, Data Pipeline, Relational Database (RDS), Cloudwatch, EC2, EBS, S3, KMS, or SMS
  4. Developing in a DevOps environment and utilizing tools such as GitHub, Subversion, Jenkins, Maven, or Artifactory
  5. Utilizing web stack technologies and software design
  6. Working at all tiers of the architecture, to include Web UI, Business Logic, and Database layer
  7. Developing software in a continuous integration, continuous deployment (CI/CD) paradigm
  8. Working with financial data sets
  9. Programming with Java and associated frameworks like SpringBoot
  10. Utilizing ElasticSearch and other big data technologies like MapReduce
  11. Scripting using JavaScript (JS) framework like Angular JS or EXT-JS
  12. Using tools such as Apache Tomcat, Apache Spark, Hadoop, SOLR, JDBC, ANT, Active Directory, LDAP, Regex, SQL, or JSON
  13. Using JIRA tracking system
  14. Employing Agile development methodology
  15. Employing the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Highly desired skills and demonstrated experience:
Skills and demonstrated experiences that are highly desired but not required to perform the work include:
  1. Demonstrated experience with security accreditation process.
  2. Demonstrated experience supporting enterprise software development efforts.
  3. Demonstrated experience working with commercial financial data sets.
  4. Demonstrated experience integrating software with LDAP, PKI and must use services.
  5. Demonstrated experience integrating with various applications using web services and APIs.
___________________________________________________________________
US Citizenship:
This position requires US Citizenship. Verification of US Citizenship to meet federal government security requirements will be confirmed.
Security Clearance:
The successful candidate must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret Security Clearance with a Full Scope Polygraph.
Clearance Verification: This position requires successful verification of the stated security clearance to meet federal government customer requirements. You will be asked to provide clearance verification information prior to an offer of employment.
Travel:
This position is expected to be onsite. The position will be located within the Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA). 
Local travel/POV will be on an as needed basis, within the local place of performance.
______________________________________________
This position is available immediately.

Join J5 Consulting and Grow Your Cybersecurity Career

At J5, we’re a team of innovators protecting organizations from evolving cyber threats. With 18+ years of success in government and commercial sectors, we offer meaningful opportunities to grow your career.

Enjoy comprehensive benefits, including:

  • 100% employer-paid health coverage
  • a 6% 401(k) match
  • PTO
  • tuition reimbursement
  • bonuses
  • professional development, and more.

Ready to make an impact? Explore our open positions and apply today.

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