Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for systems developers in the United States
Systems developer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected systems developer job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 56,000 new jobs for systems developers are projected over the next decade.
Systems developer salaries have increased 8% for systems developers in the last 5 years.
There are over 276,538 systems developers currently employed in the United States.
There are 322,419 active systems developer job openings in the US.
The average systems developer salary is $97,230.
Are systems developer jobs in demand?
Systems developer job and salary trends over time
Systems developer jobs over time
Systems developer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 276,538 | 0.08% |
| 2020 | 453,211 | 0.13% |
| 2019 | 220,025 | 0.07% |
| 2018 | 427,072 | 0.13% |
| 2017 | 418,830 | 0.13% |
Average systems developer salary over time
Systems developer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $97,230 | $46.75 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $94,026 | $45.20 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $91,897 | $44.18 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $91,411 | $43.95 | +1.2% |
| 2021 | $90,323 | $43.42 | +1.7% |
Systems developer jobs by state
Most common states for systems developers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 804 | 116% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 321 | 51% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 413 | 43% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 3,312 | 39% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 397 | 37% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,475 | 36% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 211 | 36% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 452 | 34% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,969 | 33% |
| 10 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 247 | 33% |
| 11 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,316 | 31% |
| 12 | Alaska | 739,795 | 230 | 31% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,218 | 29% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,577 | 28% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 299 | 28% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 518 | 27% |
| 17 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 238 | 27% |
| 18 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,392 | 25% |
| 19 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 778 | 25% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 493 | 24% |
Most common cities for systems developers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexington | 6 | 19% | $116,786 |
| 2 | Downers Grove | 2 | 4% | $92,432 |
| 3 | Ames | 2 | 3% | $87,538 |
| 4 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $98,715 |
| 5 | College Park | 1 | 3% | $98,082 |
| 6 | Stamford | 2 | 2% | $101,973 |
| 7 | Columbus | 2 | 1% | $88,821 |
| 8 | New York | 5 | 0% | $110,904 |
| 9 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $82,126 |
| 10 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $91,269 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $88,971 |
| 12 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $99,159 |
| 13 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $80,768 |
| 14 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $116,936 |
| 15 | Charlotte | 1 | 0% | $86,771 |
Systems Developer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of systems developer experts
University of South Alabama
Brigham Young University - Idaho
California State University - Bakersfield
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Harding University
Mercer University
University of Akron
Indiana University Bloomington
North Dakota State University
Oklahoma State University
What Systems Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sepehr Mohammadian: 1. This is a pretty broad question. CS degree graduates can engage in different tasks and responsibilities based on the nature of their profession. Examples include 1) software engineering, in which the individual's efforts are toward leading or contributing to software development projects, 2) IT management, where the individual mainly oversees technology strategies and their implementation, 3) cybersecurity, where the individual's responsibilities are associated with the protection of systems and data from cyber threats, and 4) data and AI engineering, where the individual works on machine learning applications and analyze and derive insights from large datasets.
What Systems Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Swagata Banerjee PhD: Digital literacy: As technology continues to evolve, proficiency in digital tools and platforms will become increasingly essential. Adaptability: The ability to quickly learn new skills and adapt to changing circumstances will be crucial in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. Data literacy: Understanding and analyzing data will become more important for making informed decisions and optimizing strategies. Interdisciplinary skills: The ability to work across different disciplines and collaborate effectively with diverse teams will be highly valued. Emotional intelligence: Soft skills such as empathy, communication, and teamwork will continue to be in demand as workplaces become more interconnected and dynamic.
What general advice would you give to a Systems Developer?
David Hart: So the field of Business Analyst can encompass interacting with different department managers on a daily bases. Quite often they will be required to interpret large amounts of data from the various departments each day to look at trends either in sales or procurement. Working with IT is a must so that data mining of the correct data to help the company achieve their business goals is critical.
Dany Doueiri
ProfessorWhat will help Systems Developers increase their earning potential?
Dany Doueiri: Ability to adapt to new realities, creativity, ethics, innovation, and resilience to face new realities.
What Systems Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Adam Roth: I recommend that students start by identifying a specific skill in demand within your field, such as data analysis or social media marketing, and focus on developing expertise in that area. Research salary ranges and living costs in particular areas where you’re interested in working to ensure your compensation aligns with the local market. Always negotiate a salary and consider other aspects of the offer, such as funds for continuing education, technology and more. Continuing to network and establish demand for your services is essential; attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage with professionals in your field. Never miss an opportunity to reach out to and check in with your professional contacts. Pursue additional learning opportunities and education, such as certifications or advanced degrees, to provide a competitive advantage and increase your earning potential over time.
What Systems Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sean Walker: To maximize your salary, it is really essential to learn the tools and methods associated with Systems Engineering while also maintaining a sense of creativity. Employers are not only looking for engineers with the ability to apply specific tools but also the ability to think creatively to solve complex systems problems. I often encourage my students to maintain their creative hobbies so that they don't lose those skills. But, more immediately, gaining a graduate education in Systems Engineering can help any engineer increase their earning potential.
What Systems Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Prof. Kim Jovanovich P.E.: Attached please see the responses to your interview questions. I hope this sheds some light on the questions you asked!
What will help Systems Developers increase their earning potential?
Kevin Kimball: Continue learning and make social connections within your employer’s umbrella, within your profession and within your larger community. The ones who have significant earnings upside are the ones who can sell the business and be connectors between people.
Dr. John Tarjan
Chair, Management/MarketingCalifornia State University - Bakersfield
Business Administration, Management And Operations
What general advice would you give to a Systems Developer?
Dr. John Tarjan: Before interviewing and/or starting a new job, do your homework. Learn everything you can about the company—its market, competitive strategy, culture and history. If possible, talk with people who work there or others who know the company well to get an idea what it takes to be successful there. Be respectful of the culture and traditions. Dress, speak and act as appropriate and expected. While every organization should reexamine itself occasionally, one should first demonstrate a longstanding commitment to the organization before expecting to be listened to about potential changes. Show up when expected, treat other employees, customers and suppliers with respect. While the forgoing may seem unnecessary to some to even mention, unfortunately, many, if not most employers would disagree.
What will help Systems Developers increase their earning potential?
Dr. John Tarjan: In two ways which are related: 1) Always be conscious of creating value for the organization. Don’t expect a raise until you create value for the company well in excess of any potential increase in salary you may think you deserve; and 2) exceed expectations. Raises and promotions go to those who stand out and make their bosses’ jobs easier. Common complaints among employers is that new employees expect to be promoted and compensated before demonstrating value to the organization and that they feel a sense of entitlement bordering on arrogance.
What will help Systems Developers increase their earning potential?
Joseph Taylor: The role of a Business Analyst can vary greatly from company to company, and even from department to department, so it is very important to look at the details of a particular position that you are applying for. One common factor from all Business Analyst is that they are generally expected to make sense of data, and to be effective communicators that can apply insights to real-world problems.
What will help Systems Developers increase their earning potential?
Joe Protopapa: There are three general pieces of advice I would give to a graduate who is beginning a career in business: First, begin networking immediately. Hopefully graduates have already begun to build a network of professionals in their chosen fields, and it is vital to build a strong group of associates and colleagues who can be counted on for advice, direction, and opportunities for growth and development. Second, take nothing for granted. Take opportunities to learn, grow, be a part of committees, teams, and initiatives within your organization that will propel you forward as a professional and employee. Third, be your authentic self when you are searching for a job and when you begin working. Lead with your strengths, but also have the insight and self-awareness to recognize areas you need to work on and seek out opportunities to improve.
What Systems Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Joe Faith: One of the major things is either having more education or certifications to help with inflating your initial salary. Besides that, I would say that the industry and location you move to will have a large hand to play in terms of the salary you get. You always need to balance the cost of living though, if you're focusing more on location as your proxy. The types of jobs you can get in IS are so varied that it can make a huge difference in terms of earning potential right off the bat. For example, if you were to go into software development, data analytics, project management, or cybersecurity after getting your IS degree (which we've had many students do), then you would definitely be earning more than if you took an entry level support technician role (think help desk) for a company. I always try to talk with my advisees about this subject, so that they can decide what path is best for them. Sometimes, students aim lower than they necessarily have to, and that can hurt their initial salary.
What will help Systems Developers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jae Eun Jeong: 1) Develop strong interpersonal skills. 2) Stay curious and maintain a willingness to learn.
What Systems Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jack Croghan: The above answers are the key to maximizing your salary on the business side of the entertainment industry.
What general advice would you give to a Systems Developer?
Benjamin Greulich Ph.D.: I have attached my responses to those three questions. Let me know if you are looking for something a little bit different and I would be happy to reanswer/update anything!
What general advice would you give to a Systems Developer?
Debmalya Mukherjee PhD: Business analyst positions are data driven. Most business analysts work on a wide range of business functions, from supply chain, HR, and to Accounting and Finance. At the entry level, Their objective is to simplify the associated processes and present them to the business leaders in a fashion that improves organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
What general advice would you give to a Systems Developer?
Christopher Wayne FACHE, MBA, MS: While both healthcare administrative and medical roles are projected to grow I think the top new grads will have a minor in areas such as finance, information technology, marketing and many others. However, subject matter expertise is just the price of admission, so be sure to take full advantage of your degree program and ongoing education to appreciate the importance of learning so many other skills likely available to you such as sales and marketing, how to build consensus/facilitate, problem solve, writing and public speaking. These will be the skills that can lead to leadership opportunities if that’s something of interest.
Bryan Edwards
Professor of ManagementOklahoma State University
Entrepreneurial And Small Business Operations
What Systems Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bryan Edwards: 1. A colleague of mine says that the advice to “just be yourself” is a really bad recommendation. The better advice is to be strategic about your image. Decide in advance what behaviors you want to portray to others and how you build your reputation. I would never suggest that you fake it or misrepresent yourself; but, definitely focus on your strengths and positive attributes in your social media presence, interview answers, resume, and any other part of your identity on display in the public domain. People tend to judge you based on what they see and *not* what is hidden from view. Many people display behaviors consistent with their identity or personal interests (e.g., as a musician, nationality, parent). You are certainly welcome to display what you want but realize that people will form perceptions about you from what they see. For example, if you post or share social media consistent with your political beliefs then just realize that at least half of the people will likely judge you negatively (or in a way different than what you intend).
2. There is a lot of evidence that what you do in your 20’s defines you for the rest of your life because we make so many key important decisions during this decade about career, marriage, and retirement savings. Meg Jay wrote a book entitled “The Defining Decade” which sums this research. Therefore, I also advise graduating students to make decisions in the next few years that contributes positively to their career. Those first ten years of working life are critical to your advancement and whether you will have saved enough for retirement. Many people may delay earning wages to obtain a master’s degree, PhD, M.D., J.D. or some other specialized training and this is fine because it is an investment in your career. But this isn’t the only thing you can do to advance your career. There are plenty of opportunities to gain valuable experience. Think about what skills you want or need and don’t be afraid to take some risks such as moving to another city or country, joining a non-profit, or taking a lower-paying job that provide unique experiences. There is so much to know about business from recruitment, management, financials, operations, supply chain, customers and so much more. You won’t learn all of this in college so seek out positions that fill some of these knowledge and skill gaps.
What will help Systems Developers increase their earning potential?
Francis Binder: Take the necessary time you need to be successful in your role: it typically takes 6-12 months before you can fully understand a position and be competent. Give yourself some slack while you're learning and don't be afraid to ask questions. Be a sponge! Once you are comfortable in your role, take on new experiences when the opportunity presents itself and take time to reflect on those experiences. Were there parts of the experience you liked? Parts you didn't? Where do you think your strengths were best used? Reflections like these can help you carve out the areas in your work that you enjoy most, ultimately helping you to be successful. Talk to as many people in the organization as you can. Just like taking on new experiences, meeting new people can open up a lot of opportunities.