Systems Engineer Salaries

Updated on Mar 08, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Systems Engineer make?

The average salary for a Systems Engineer is $121,037 per year in the US.

Systems Engineers earn a range of salaries, which reflect their experience and expertise. Entry-level positions start around $40,000 per year. As professionals gain more experience, their earnings can significantly increase. Mid-career Systems Engineers typically earn between $73,818 and $107,636. Those with considerable experience and advanced skills can make upwards of $141,455 to $226,000 annually.


On average, a Systems Engineer makes about $121,037 each year. This salary highlights the value that companies place on the expertise provided by Systems Engineers. With a strong job market and a growing demand for technology solutions, this position offers solid earning potential and career advancement opportunities.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Systems Engineer?

For Systems Engineers, top-paying cities offer impressive salaries that reflect the demand for skilled professionals. Riverside, CA stands out with an average salary of $146,027, closely followed by San Francisco and San Jose, which offer $145,164 and $144,997 respectively. Other cities like San Diego and Los Angeles also provide competitive earnings, making California a prime location for Systems Engineer jobs.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Systems Engineer jobs, highlighting Riverside, CA with the highest at $146,027 and Colorado Springs, CO with the lowest at $129,069.
  1. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $146,027
    Working in Riverside offers a unique chance to contribute to local industries such as logistics and manufacturing. Many companies in the area value innovative technology solutions, making it a promising location for engineers.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $145,164
    San Francisco is a tech hub known for its innovation and creativity. Many top companies and startups are based here, providing great opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology projects and collaborate with talented professionals.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $144,997
    San Jose, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is a prime destination for engineers. The area hosts numerous tech giants, giving professionals access to exciting projects and opportunities for career growth.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $140,265
    In San Diego, engineers enjoy a vibrant tech scene and a pleasant climate. The city is home to many companies in biotechnology and telecommunications, creating engaging job opportunities in these fields.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $139,192
    Los Angeles offers a diverse job market with opportunities in entertainment technology and aerospace. Working here allows engineers to apply their skills in a variety of exciting industries.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $135,510
    Fresno provides a growing job market with opportunities in agriculture technology and healthcare. Engineers can expect to play a vital role in improving systems and processes that benefit the community.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Fresno, CA


  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $133,235
    Boston is rich in academic and medical institutions, making it a great place for engineers to work on healthcare and tech innovations. The city's culture promotes collaboration and continuous learning.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $131,550
    Seattle is known for its thriving tech industry and is home to major companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Engineers can find an innovative environment that encourages creativity and proactive problem-solving.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $129,468
    Baltimore offers opportunities to work with various industries, including healthcare and cybersecurity. The city's focus on technology and innovation allows engineers to make meaningful contributions.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD


  10. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $129,069
    Colorado Springs combines a strong engineering job market with a beautiful natural backdrop. Engineers can find work in sectors like aerospace and defense, contributing to important projects while enjoying an active lifestyle.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Colorado Springs, CO

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

Some of the best-paying companies for Systems Engineer jobs include Palo Alto Networks and Visionist, Inc., offering average salaries around $230,000 and $215,000, respectively. Other top contenders are Inferno Systems, Inc. and Nutanix, with salaries just above $200,000. Joining these companies can provide lucrative opportunities for skilled Systems Engineers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Systems Engineer jobs, highlighting Palo Alto Networks with the highest at $229,705 and Snap Inc. with the lowest at $188,208.
  1. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $229,705
    Palo Alto Networks focuses on cybersecurity. Systems Engineers here work on advanced security solutions. The company has locations in Santa Clara, CA, and multiple other locations across the United States.


  2. Visionist, INC
    Average Salary: $215,000
    Visionist, INC provides software and systems engineering support to the U.S. Government. Systems Engineers play a key role in developing cutting-edge technology. They mainly operate in the Washington D.C. area.


  3. Inferno Systems, Inc.
    Average Salary: $209,531
    Inferno Systems, Inc. specializes in technology solutions for various industries. Systems Engineers design and implement systems across several locations, including Virginia and Maryland.


  4. Nutanix
    Average Salary: $205,453
    Nutanix focuses on cloud computing and virtualization technology. Systems Engineers contribute to innovative products and services. The company has offices in San Jose, CA, and around the world.


  5. NVIDIA
    Average Salary: $204,735
    NVIDIA is known for its graphics processing unit (GPU) technology. Systems Engineers work on projects that push the limits of technology. They have offices in Silicon Valley and other major tech hubs.


  6. Waymo
    Average Salary: $204,000
    Waymo is a leader in self-driving car technology. Systems Engineers here are crucial in developing autonomous systems. The company operates in Mountain View, CA, and other strategic locations.


  7. Apple
    Average Salary: $199,360
    Apple, a well-known tech giant, employs Systems Engineers for various projects, including hardware and software development. Their main headquarters is in Cupertino, CA.


  8. LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions
    Average Salary: $198,786
    LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions provides staffing services in aviation and aerospace. Systems Engineers are essential in various roles within the industry. The company operates across the United States.


  9. Fortinet
    Average Salary: $195,333
    Fortinet specializes in cybersecurity solutions. Systems Engineers work on security appliances and software for clients worldwide. The company is based in Sunnyvale, CA, and has offices globally.


  10. Snap Inc.
    Average Salary: $188,208
    Snap Inc. is the parent company of Snapchat. Systems Engineers develop innovative technologies for their apps. The company is located in Los Angeles, CA.

How to earn more as a Systems Engineer?

As a Systems Engineer, you can improve your earning potential by focusing on key factors. Here are five ways to boost your income:

  1. Enhance Your Skills: Take courses to learn new technologies. Certifications like AWS or Cisco can make you more valuable.
  2. Gain Experience: Seek out projects that challenge you. Working on diverse projects helps you build a strong resume.
  3. Network Professionally: Attend industry events and connect with other professionals. Networking can lead to job opportunities and salary increases.
  4. Specialize: Choose a specific area, like cyber security or cloud computing. Specialists often earn higher salaries than generalists.
  5. Negotiate Your Salary: Always discuss your salary when getting a job offer. Research industry standards to ensure you ask for a fair wage.

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Currently 3,006 Systems Engineer job openings, nationwide!

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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
3,006 Job Openings