Post job

What is a systems software specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a systems software specialist. For example, did you know that they make an average of $47.15 an hour? That's $98,081 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 21% and produce 284,100 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a systems software specialist?

Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.

Director of Graduate Studies for the Dept. of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Assistant Professor of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington

Look for a job that you would enjoy doing, even if it takes some time to find such a position. Internships are great to explore various options.
ScoreSystems Software SpecialistUS Average
Salary
7.6

Avg. Salary $98,081

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.7

Growth rate 21%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 29.78%

Black or African American 4.62%

Hispanic or Latino 8.38%

Unknown 4.85%

White 52.20%

Gender

female 17.02%

male 82.98%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress level
4.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Systems software specialist career paths

Key steps to become a systems software specialist

  1. Explore systems software specialist education requirements

    Most common systems software specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    65.9 %

    Master's

    15.6 %

    Associate

    13.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific systems software specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Python8.24%
    System Software8.04%
    Linux6.67%
    Java5.33%
    Computer System5.29%
  3. Complete relevant systems software specialist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New systems software specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a systems software specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real systems software specialist resumes.
  4. Research systems software specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Schedule builds and releases in co-ordination with development and QA leads.
    • Write shell scripts and Perl scripts to automate repetitive systems administration tasks.
    • Recruit to establish and manage Virtualization\Storage\Backup environments.
    • Serve as liaison with platform representatives to troubleshoot technical issues.
  5. Prepare your systems software specialist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your systems software specialist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a systems software specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable systems software specialist resume templates

    Build a professional systems software specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your systems software specialist resume.
    Systems Software Specialist Resume
    Systems Software Specialist Resume
    Systems Software Specialist Resume
    Systems Software Specialist Resume
    Systems Software Specialist Resume
    Systems Software Specialist Resume
    Systems Software Specialist Resume
    Systems Software Specialist Resume
    Systems Software Specialist Resume
  6. Apply for systems software specialist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a systems software specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first systems software specialist job

Zippi

Are you a systems software specialist?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average systems software specialist salary

The average systems software specialist salary in the United States is $98,081 per year or $47 per hour. Systems software specialist salaries range between $76,000 and $126,000 per year.

Average systems software specialist salary
$98,081 Yearly
$47.15 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do systems software specialists rate their job?

Working as a systems software specialist? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse computer and mathematical jobs