25 of the Highest Paying Systems Software Engineer Jobs in 2026

The best Systems Software Engineer jobs can pay up to $253,000 per year.

High Paying Systems Software Engineer Jobs

• Lead Systems Engineer

  Salary range: $167,000 - $253,000

  The majority of Lead Systems Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $167,000 (25th percentile) and $253,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Lead Systems Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Systems Architect

  Salary range: $243,000 - $243,000

  A systems architect is responsible for the design of complex network and database systems that support a company’s daily functions and activities. As a systems architect, your duties are to study your company’s use cases, design computer network systems that meet those needs, optimize existing systems architecture, troubleshoot and fix issues, and collaborate with other systems architects and software engineers on project development and implementation. Your work includes system servers, databases, software applications, and more. You need a strong computer engineering background to be an effective systems architect.

• Principal Systems Engineer

  Salary range: $120,000 - $175,000

  The majority of Principal Systems Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $120,000 (25th percentile) and $175,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Principal Systems Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Systems Engineering Manager

  Salary range: $114,000 - $173,000

  The majority of Systems Engineering Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $114,000 (25th percentile) and $173,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Systems Engineering Manager job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• System Integration Engineer

  Salary range: $167,000 - $167,000

  The majority of System Integration Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $167,000 (25th percentile) and $167,000 (75th percentile) annually. Most people working in this role make similar salaries regardless of skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the System Integration Engineer job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

• Embedded Systems Engineer

  Salary range: $111,500 - $163,500

  An embedded systems engineer creates the software to control electronics or machines that are different from regular computers. This software needs to run on the specific hardware it controls. Their duties also include troubleshooting and testing. Essential skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. Work is typically in an office environment with full-time business hours. Educational qualifications include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in embedded systems engineering or a related field.

• DB2 Systems Programmer

  Salary range: $130,000 - $160,000

  The majority of DB2 Systems Programmer salaries across the United States currently range between $130,000 (25th percentile) and $160,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the DB2 Systems Programmer job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

• Systems Engineer

  Salary range: $98,000 - $157,000

  The role of a systems engineer varies based on the company they work for, but in every industry systems engineers use computerized systems to keep track of all the moving parts within their organizations. The term systems engineer usually refers to a computer systems engineer, which combines several disciplines to create, purchase, and install a computer system that suits the needs of each particular client. They will also work in a hands-on manner during the installation, acquisition, testing, and implementation phases of the project. Duties typically include making recommendations for scalability, troubleshooting any problems that arise during the use of the system, reviewing a company’s security requirements, and recommending security measures to allow the company to avoid compromising any sensitive data.

• Software System Architect

  Salary range: $130,500 - $155,000

  The majority of Software System Architect salaries across the United States currently range between $130,500 (25th percentile) and $155,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Software System Architect job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Platform Engineer

  Salary range: $105,000 - $153,500

  A platform engineer writes code that bridges the gap between software and hardware and tests the system so that it runs effectively and smoothly. In this career, you are a vital part of the software and hardware industries. You run diagnostics tests to verify the correct design of hardware, which usually means writing code for manufacturing diagnostics so that the testing of the hardware takes place automatically. The qualifications needed for a career as a platform engineer include a bachelor’s degree in computer science or an associate’s degree and relevant work experience.

• JIRA Developer

  Salary range: $112,000 - $150,000

  As a JIRA developer, you develop and maintain automation workflows in Atlassian JIRA and other Atlassian products as needed. You build and deploy servers and applications, develop plugins to extend JIRA capabilities, make dashboards for JIRA Connect add-ons, configure custom fields, support JIRA configurations that include all client requirements, create custom preset filters, test outcomes, and identify defects. Other duties include upgrading and enhancing JIRA projects, defining and executing SDLC tasks, and documenting and maintaining the SDLC. Qualifications to become a JIRA developer include a bachelor’s degree and experience in IT or computer science as well as experience.

• Senior Systems Engineer

  Salary range: $104,500 - $143,000

  A senior systems engineer is an IT (information technology) professional tasked with designing and maintaining network systems and security. Examples include large server or storage systems, computer networks, and mainframes. As a systems engineer, your primary duties are to oversee the daily operations of your facility and lead a team of engineers in designing new systems to replace old ones. You may work for a company that provides engineering services and solutions for other businesses, or you may be part of a large university or other institution's IT department. Skills needed for the career include the ability to work independently, leadership, and analytical problem-solving. A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or IT and significant experience in a lower systems engineering position are essential qualifications.

• Computer Systems Architect

  Salary range: $123,500 - $141,500

  The majority of Computer Systems Architect salaries across the United States currently range between $123,500 (25th percentile) and $141,500 (75th percentile) annually. Most people working in this role make similar salaries regardless of skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Computer Systems Architect job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Unix Engineer

  Salary range: $97,500 - $140,000

  A Unix engineer is responsible for keeping Unix operating systems networks and systems up and running. Your duties involve troubleshooting hardware and software, scheduling upgrades, and increasing network security. You also train users to be efficient when working in Unix and run routine diagnostics on workstations and on the network to ensure functionality. You may be called upon to draft hardware and software manuals, so skill in technical writing will set you ahead of other candidates and aid you throughout your career.

• Mainframe Systems Programmer

  Salary range: $110,000 - $140,000

  As a mainframe systems programmer, your responsibilities are to maintain an organization’s server computer, also called a mainframe computer. Your duties include handling server configuration, as well as installing, upgrading, and customizing the operating system and other software necessary for running the server and its databases. You also work with other IT professionals with the planning of security measures to protect the mainframe and routinely perform tests for bugs and other security issues.

• Systems Software Developer

  Salary range: $86,500 - $139,000

  The majority of Systems Software Developer salaries across the United States currently range between $86,500 (25th percentile) and $139,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Systems Software Developer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Business System Consultant

  Salary range: $100,000 - $137,500

  The majority of Business System Consultant salaries across the United States currently range between $100,000 (25th percentile) and $137,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Business System Consultant job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Systems Design Engineer

  Salary range: $100,000 - $137,000

  The majority of Systems Design Engineer salaries across the United States currently range between $100,000 (25th percentile) and $137,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Systems Design Engineer job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

• Z OS Mainframe Systems Programmer

  Salary range: $103,000 - $136,500

  The responsibilities of a z/OS mainframe systems programmer include the development, installation, testing, and maintenance of this operating system and hardware. As a z/OS mainframe systems programmer, your duties include making sure the system is customized and meets an organization’s needs and standards, debugging and evaluating other software packages, and making recommendations to the IT department. You diagnose issues and solve any problems that arise with the software and hardware. You also prepare a plan for recovering data after a disaster. Other aspects of your job entail providing support and customer service, collaborating with other IT departments, and managing and contributing to research projects as needed.

• Computer Systems Engineer

  Salary range: $70,000 - $132,500

  As a computer systems engineer, you test network information to find gaps and get ahead of potential system issues and provide solutions. Your job duties may include collecting and testing information, performing backup and recovery procedures, and training other employees on best data security practices. Depending on the size of your company, you may be tasked with creating a long-term technology plan to ensure that workstations and business technology remain up-to-date, secure, and able to meet business needs.

• Systems Programmer

  Salary range: $75,000 - $129,500

  A systems programmer is a skilled computer technician that develops application software with a variety of programming languages. In this career, you must have experience working with a variety of operating systems including Windows, Linux, and mainframe. Your job duties include developing application programs, testing the functionality of the software, and troubleshooting issues found by users. You also work on a variety of computer hardware such as servers and mainframes, so your skills must extend beyond software and coding. You can find systems programmer positions with third-party IT companies and in the IT departments of larger companies.

• Jira Administrator

  Salary range: $69,000 - $127,500

  JIRA is a bug tracking and issue management tool by Atlassian. A JIRA administrator is responsible for creating and organizing new projects on the JIRA platform, as well as configuring the layout, design, workflow, and dashboard. It is the administrator’s job to ensure each person on a project team has access to all materials needed. If there is training or an upgrade needed for a project, the administrator's responsibilities include providing the right resources to users. A JIRA administrator also manages upgrades and improvements to the software.

• Consulting Systems Engineer

  Salary range: $81,500 - $120,000

  A consulting systems engineer helps design medium- to large-scale technology solutions for businesses. As a consulting systems engineer, your job duties involve product design and delivery and include managing the project, addressing technical issues, and defining the scope of the plan for managers and executives. You monitor implementations and assess whether or not they increase productivity and efficiency. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s degree in a technical field, such as computer science, and a few years of related experience working in a dynamic group environment. Interpersonal skills and the ability to multitask are also essential for this job.

• Atlassian Administrator

  Salary range: $50,500 - $106,000

  Atlassian is an Australian enterprise software maker whose products, such as JIRA, Confluence, Hipchat, and Trello, are designed for software programmers, content managers, and project managers. As an Atlassian administrator, you provide technical assistance, customer support, and administrative duties for Atlassian product users. These users might be using the product for tasks like software development, cloud computing, or data storage solutions. You may help configure, implement, or customize add-ons or design a new application for Atlassian products, monitor implementation, and manage administrative access to products.

• Junior Systems Engineer

  Salary range: $62,500 - $87,500

  A junior systems engineer helps develop and maintain all computer systems for a business. As a junior systems engineer, your typical job duties involve installing, monitoring, and troubleshooting operating systems, software, hardware, and other computer infrastructure. For this career, you need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Additional qualifications include system administrative experience, excellent technical skills, and familiarity with common programming languages. A junior systems engineer is an entry-level position that often serves as a stepping stone for this career.