What Does a System Programmer Do? (With Salary and Skills)

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Updated 18 April 2024

A system programmer is a specialised computer professional who develops, updates and maintains operating systems and servers. They focus on building the foundation of our digital world, deploying and debugging the infrastructure that other software and applications rely on. Learning more about the role of a system programmer can help you determine if this is the career path you've been searching for.In this article, we discuss the role of a system programmer, how much they can earn and the skills to achieve success in this career path.

What are the duties of a system programmer?

At the heart of every digital landscape lies the fundamental position of system programmers. They are responsible for interfacing with a computer's hardware components, developing system software and troubleshooting existing systems to keep them up-to-date and running efficiently. System programmers often work with algorithms, machine language and source code, ensuring interoperability between different software components. Below is a list of common responsibilities for a system programmer.

System setup and maintenance

System programmers establish and configure systems for use by other developers or end-users. They engage in system testing and debugging, ensuring that systems are running at their optimal performance.

Software development

A system programmer may get involved in designing and developing software modules to be integrated with the wider system or application.

Security enforcement

In the line of their duty, system programmers enforce security measures, ensuring system integrity and safety from unauthorised access.

System updates

System programmers regularly update systems, fixing bugs, rolling out new features and ensuring the system's overall stability.

Where does a system programmer work?

System programmers can be found across various segments of the tech industry. Let’s look at some of the places where a system programmer works:

Software development companies
Telecommunication corporations
Financial and banking institutions
IT consultancy firms
Start-ups and technology-centred businesses

Is it hard to become a system programmer?

Becoming a system programmer might seem challenging at first, considering the technicalities involved. However, with the right education and experience, it's a highly attainable career path. Typically, a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering or a related field is a requirement. Alongside academic qualifications, most employers look for prior experience in software development, proving their familiarity with various programming languages and system frameworks.Related: How To Become a System Programmer (With Salary and Skills)

Skills for a system programmer

As a system programmer, various hard and soft skills come in handy in performing your role effectively. Understanding complex programming languages, mastery of debugging tools and knowledge of system architecture are a few examples, among others. Clear communication and teamwork also play an integral part in this role, facilitating collaboration with other IT professionals. Below is a list of essential skills for a system programmer:

Mastery of programming languages

System programmers need to have a firm understanding of a variety of programming languages like C++, Java, Python or Ruby. This knowledge allows them to write efficient code and solve complex programming problems.Related: How to Get a Python Certificate in Singapore (Plus FAQ)

Understanding of operating systems

A comprehensive understanding of how different operating systems work is vital. This includes the ability to navigate system structures, processes, threads and memory management mechanisms.

Debugging skills

System programmers must be well-versed in deploying debugging tools to identify and fix system issues. This includes solving critical errors and improving software stability.Related: Debugging: Definition, How-to Guide and Strategies

Communication skills

As system programmers often work in teams, clear and concise communication is essential. It helps in coordinating project objectives and understanding complex technical concepts during collaborative efforts.Related: 10 Helpful Tips for Communication Skills in the Workplace

Problem-solving skills

System programmers are problem solvers by nature. They often encounter challenging system issues that require a blend of creativity, logic and technical know-how to fix.Related: How to Create a Programmer Resume (With Example)

Average salary and job outlook for a system programmer

System programmers in Singapore earn an average salary of SGD 100,000 per annum based on data compiled from various online sources. However, the exact pay can greatly vary based on several factors. These include their experience and education, the industry in which they work and the complexity of the projects handled.As per statistical data from the Ministry of Manpower Singapore, the demand for system programmers is expected to grow. Continual innovations in technology, alongside businesses' growing reliance on digital transformation strategies, are fuelling this demand. Therefore, the job outlook for system programmers appears highly positive, aligning with Singapore's vision to be a smart nation.Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate’s experience, academic background and location. Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.Related: How To Become a Programmer (With Salary and Skills)

Jobs that are similar to a system programmer

In the exciting world of technology, there are several roles closely associated with system programming. Each one offers unique rewards and challenges, providing a rich array of career opportunities. Below is a list of jobs that are similar to a system programmer. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit Indeed.com salaries.

1. Data analyst

National average salary: $57,687 per year
Primary duties: Data analysts help businesses understand data. They collect, process and perform statistical analyses of data. While this role is less focused on programming, the technical analytical skills required can be quite similar to system programming.Find data analyst jobs

2. Network administrator

National average salary: $50,964 per year
Primary duties: Network administrators take care of an organisation's computer networks. While their work revolves more around maintenance than coding, they often interact with the systems that system programmers create.Find network administrator jobs

3. Software engineer

National average salary: $54,880 per year
Primary duties: Just like system programmers, software engineers routinely engage with programming languages to develop software. However, they primarily focus on application software rather than system-level programming.Find software engineers jobs

4. Database administrator

National average salary: $82,239 per year
Primary duties: Database administrators use specialised software to store and organise data. Their work might include capacity planning, database design and systems troubleshooting, all tasks in which a system programmer might also engage.Find database administrator jobs