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Salary

How much does a Systems Engineer make?

The average salary for a Systems Engineer is $131,488 per year in the US.

Systems Engineers play a key role in many industries. They design, develop, and manage complex systems. This job is important because it ensures everything works well together. The average yearly salary for a Systems Engineer is $131,488. This means they earn a good income.


To break it down, here are some common salaries:

  • 25th percentile: $57,040
  • 50th percentile: $104,865
  • 75th percentile: $168,633
Experience and location can affect these numbers. Those with more experience or working in larger cities may earn more. This shows Systems Engineers have good earning potential.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Systems Engineer?

Systems Engineers can find some of the best-paying opportunities in several cities. San Francisco tops the list, with an impressive average salary of $183,070. Other cities like Fayetteville, AR, and Hartford, CT, also offer high salaries for these professionals. Additionally, major tech hubs like San Diego, CA, San Jose, CA, and Dallas, TX provide excellent salaries for Systems Engineers. Cities such as Los Angeles, CA, Nashville, TN, and Miami, FL also show competitive wages, making them attractive locations for job seekers in this field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Systems Engineer jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $183,070 and Miami, FL with the lowest at $144,056.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $183,070
    Working in tech in San Francisco offers a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Many companies here, like Google and Facebook, are leaders in their fields. These companies provide opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology and collaborate with top talent.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Fayetteville, AR
    Average Salary: $156,432
    In Fayetteville, AR, a Systems Engineer can find a mix of large corporations and startups. Companies here focus on creating innovative solutions. The cost of living is lower than in bigger cities, which makes it an attractive place to work.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Fayetteville, AR


  3. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $155,172
    Hartford offers a balance between big city opportunities and a smaller community feel. With many insurance companies, like Travelers and Aetna, a Systems Engineer can work on projects that impact a global audience. The city's rich history adds to its appeal.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Hartford, CT


  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $150,743
    San Diego provides a pleasant climate and a vibrant tech scene. Engineers can work with companies like Qualcomm and biotech firms. The city's beautiful beaches and outdoor activities make it a desirable place to live and work.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $150,363
    San Jose, often called the heart of Silicon Valley, is a hotspot for tech jobs. Companies such as Apple and Cisco offer exciting challenges. The area's innovation and fast-paced environment make it perfect for a Systems Engineer looking for growth.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $149,300
    Dallas, TX, offers a mix of big city opportunities and southern charm. Companies in the area, like AT&T and ExxonMobil, provide diverse projects. The city's affordable living costs and warm hospitality make it a great place to build a career.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX


  7. Toledo, OH
    Average Salary: $149,241
    Toledo, OH, has a strong manufacturing base and a growing tech sector. Companies like Owens-Illinois and Dana provide stability and innovation. The city's lower cost of living and friendly community make it an attractive place to work.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Toledo, OH


  8. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $147,311
    Los Angeles offers a vibrant and diverse environment for Systems Engineers. Working with companies like Amazon and Sony can lead to exciting projects. The city's entertainment industry and beautiful beaches make it a fun place to live.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  9. Nashville, TN
    Average Salary: $144,674
    Nashville, known for its music scene, also has a growing tech industry. Engineers can work with companies like Amazon and IBM. The city's affordable living and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a great place to build a career.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Nashville, TN


  10. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $144,056
    Miami, FL, offers a mix of urban excitement and a relaxed lifestyle. Companies like Google and Boeing provide diverse opportunities. The city's diverse culture and beautiful beaches make it a desirable place to live and work.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Miami, FL

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

Systems Engineers can find top-paying jobs at leading companies. OpenAI offers the highest average salary at $316,464. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) follows closely with an average salary of $234,652. Both companies provide excellent opportunities for skilled professionals. Another great option is Palo Alto Networks, where Systems Engineers can earn an average of $227,047. Apple, Nutanix, and NVIDIA also offer competitive salaries above $200,000. These companies value experienced Systems Engineers and offer rewarding career paths.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Systems Engineer jobs, highlighting OpenAI with the highest at $316,464 and Captivation Software with the lowest at $200,000.
  1. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $316,464
    OpenAI is a leader in AI research, and they need Systems Engineers to maintain their systems. Their main office is in San Francisco, California. They also have offices in Seattle, Washington.


  2. Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE
    Average Salary: $234,652
    HPE is known for its technology and services. Systems Engineers at HPE ensure the smooth operation of their hardware and software. HPE has offices worldwide, including in Houston, Texas and Bangalore, India.


  3. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $227,047
    Palo Alto Networks specializes in cybersecurity. They need Systems Engineers to support their network security products. Locations include Santa Clara, California and Tel Aviv, Israel.


  4. BCT LLC
    Average Salary: $218,323
    BCT LLC provides consulting services to the defense and intelligence sectors. They hire Systems Engineers to work on critical projects. They are located in Vienna, Virginia.


  5. Apple
    Average Salary: $216,015
    Apple is famous for its consumer electronics. They need Systems Engineers to maintain their IT infrastructure. Their headquarters is in Cupertino, California.


  6. Nutanix
    Average Salary: $214,939
    Nutanix offers cloud and virtualization solutions. They seek Systems Engineers to support their products. They have offices in San Jose, California and Hyderabad, India.


  7. NVIDIA
    Average Salary: $204,146
    NVIDIA specializes in graphics processing units. They need Systems Engineers to manage their systems. Their headquarters is in Santa Clara, California.


  8. Lam Research
    Average Salary: $201,909
    Lam Research provides technology for the semiconductor industry. They hire Systems Engineers to maintain their equipment. Their main office is in Fremont, California.


  9. Waymo
    Average Salary: $201,842
    Waymo is a leader in self-driving technology. They need Systems Engineers to support their autonomous vehicles. Their main office is in Mountain View, California.


  10. Captivation Software
    Average Salary: $200,000
    Captivation Software develops software for the financial industry. They need Systems Engineers to maintain their systems. They are based in Alpharetta, Georgia.

How to earn more as a Systems Engineer?

To earn more as a Systems Engineer, consider enhancing your skills and expertise. Specializing in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, or data analytics can make your profile more attractive to employers. Continuous learning through certifications and advanced degrees can also lead to higher-paying positions. Networking with industry professionals and staying updated with the latest technologies will open up more opportunities.

Gaining experience through diverse projects can boost your resume. Working on different types of systems and technologies will make you a versatile Systems Engineer. Seeking out roles that offer growth opportunities, such as team leader or project manager positions, can also result in higher earnings. Seeking out companies known for competitive compensation packages can make a difference in your salary.

Here are five factors that can help increase earnings:

  1. Certifications
  2. Advanced degrees
  3. Specialized skills
  4. Diverse project experience
  5. Leadership roles

Currently 1,785 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
Overview
Systems Engineer
1,785 Job Openings