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How much does a Systems Engineer make?

The average salary for a Systems Engineer is $129,383 per year in the US.

Systems Engineers play a key role in many industries. They design and manage complex systems. Their work ensures everything runs smoothly. The average yearly salary for a Systems Engineer is $129,383. This is a good income for those in the field.

The salary for a Systems Engineer can vary. Some earn less, while others earn more. Here are some common salary points:

  • 10% earn $62,200 or less
  • 25% earn $77,586 or less
  • 50% earn $92,973 or less
  • 75% earn $123,745 or less
  • 90% earn $154,518 or less

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What are the highest paying cities for a Systems Engineer?

Systems Engineers can find some of the best pay in major tech hubs. San Francisco, California, leads with an average salary of $172,887. Other top cities include San Diego, San Jose, and Los Angeles, all in California, offering competitive salaries. These cities attract top talent due to their strong tech industries and demand for skilled Systems Engineers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Systems Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $172,887 and Baltimore, MD with the lowest at $141,816.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $172,887
    In San Francisco, tech companies thrive, offering many opportunities for IT professionals. Companies like Google and Salesforce provide dynamic environments for those in the tech industry. The city's vibrant culture and tech-savvy community make it an exciting place to work.
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  2. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $154,275
    Hartford, known as the insurance capital, offers a stable job market for IT professionals. Companies such as Aetna and Travelers provide excellent career growth. The city's blend of urban and suburban living makes it a great place to work and live.
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  3. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $149,677
    San Diego boasts a strong tech scene with companies like Qualcomm and biotech firms. The city's mild climate and beautiful beaches make it an attractive place to live and work. IT professionals enjoy a good work-life balance here.
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  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $149,099
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, is a hub for tech innovation. Companies like Apple and Cisco offer exciting opportunities for IT experts. The city's fast-paced environment is ideal for those looking to advance their careers.
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  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $146,197
    Los Angeles offers a diverse job market with opportunities in tech and entertainment. Companies like Amazon and Netflix provide dynamic work environments. The city's vibrant culture and warm weather make it an appealing place to work.
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  6. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $145,065
    Dallas is a growing tech hub with companies like AT&T and Texas Instruments. The city offers a strong job market and a lower cost of living. IT professionals enjoy a mix of urban and suburban living here.
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  7. Little Rock, AR
    Average Salary: $142,865
    Little Rock offers a more relaxed job market with opportunities in tech and healthcare. Companies like Alltel and Acxiom provide stable careers. The city's affordable living and friendly community make it a great place to work.
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  8. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $142,837
    Sacramento offers a balanced job market with opportunities in tech and government. Companies like IBM and the State of California provide diverse career paths. The city's affordable living and outdoor activities make it a pleasant place to work.
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  9. Toledo, OH
    Average Salary: $141,955
    Toledo offers a stable job market with opportunities in manufacturing and tech. Companies like Owens-Illinois and Dana provide solid career options. The city's affordable living and friendly community make it a great place to work.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Toledo, OH


  10. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $141,816
    Baltimore offers a diverse job market with opportunities in tech and healthcare. Companies like Black & Decker and Johns Hopkins provide excellent career growth. The city's rich history and vibrant culture make it an appealing place to work.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD

What are the best companies a Systems Engineer can work for?

Palo Alto Networks offers one of the highest salaries for Systems Engineers, averaging around $233,728. Apple also provides a competitive salary, with Systems Engineers earning about $210,720 on average. Nutanix, DCI Solutions, and Captivation Software follow closely, each offering salaries above $200,000. These companies value skilled Systems Engineers and provide attractive compensation packages. Fortinet, Praxis Engineering, DCCA, and Applied Materials also offer strong salaries, making them excellent choices for job seekers in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Systems Engineer jobs, highlighting Palo Alto Networks with the highest at $233,728 and Applied Materials with the lowest at $190,750.
  1. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $233,728
    Palo Alto Networks offers exciting Systems Engineer roles. They work in cybersecurity and network security. Locations include the US, Europe, and Asia. They focus on creating secure digital experiences.


  2. Apple
    Average Salary: $210,720
    Apple provides top-notch Systems Engineer jobs. They focus on innovation and technology. Locations include the US, Europe, and Asia. Apple aims to create user-friendly products.


  3. Nutanix
    Average Salary: $207,470
    Nutanix offers Systems Engineer positions in cloud computing. They work in the US, Europe, and Asia. Nutanix aims to simplify IT infrastructure.


  4. DCI Solutions
    Average Salary: $200,254
    DCI Solutions provides Systems Engineer roles in data center solutions. They operate in the US and Europe. DCI Solutions focuses on creating efficient data centers.


  5. Captivation Software
    Average Salary: $200,000
    Captivation Software offers Systems Engineer jobs in software development. They work in the US and Europe. Captivation Software aims to create innovative software solutions.


  6. Zoox
    Average Salary: $197,917
    Zoox provides Systems Engineer roles in autonomous vehicle technology. They operate in the US. Zoox focuses on creating safe and efficient autonomous vehicles.


  7. Fortinet
    Average Salary: $197,846
    Fortinet offers Systems Engineer jobs in cybersecurity. They work in the US, Europe, and Asia. Fortinet aims to protect networks from cyber threats.


  8. Praxis Engineering
    Average Salary: $196,836
    Praxis Engineering provides Systems Engineer roles in engineering and consulting. They operate in the US. Praxis Engineering focuses on delivering high-quality engineering solutions.


  9. DCCA
    Average Salary: $192,700
    DCCA offers Systems Engineer jobs in defense and aerospace. They work in the US. DCCA focuses on creating advanced defense technologies.


  10. Applied Materials
    Average Salary: $190,750
    Applied Materials provides Systems Engineer roles in semiconductor manufacturing. They work in the US and Asia. Applied Materials aims to advance semiconductor technology.

How to earn more as a Systems Engineer?

A Systems Engineer can find many ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on key areas, professionals can enhance their skills and marketability. This leads to higher salary opportunities and career advancement. One important factor is gaining specialized certifications. These credentials can validate expertise in specific technologies or methodologies. They make a candidate more attractive to employers.

Another way to earn more is by taking on leadership roles. Systems Engineers who manage projects or teams often receive higher pay. They also gain valuable experience that can lead to future promotions. Continuing education is also crucial. Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can set a Systems Engineer apart. This can lead to higher-paying positions. Networking with industry professionals can open doors to new opportunities. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can help. These connections can lead to job offers with better compensation. Finally, seeking roles in high-demand industries can increase earnings. Areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence often offer higher salaries.

By focusing on these areas, Systems Engineers can improve their earning potential. They can also advance their careers in meaningful ways.

  1. Gain specialized certifications
  2. Take on leadership roles
  3. Continue education
  4. Network with industry professionals
  5. Seek roles in high-demand industries

Currently 2,113 Systems Engineer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Systems Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Systems Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Systems Engineer today.
Position
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Systems Engineer
2,113 Job Openings