Hiring a systems engineer: the market today
The short answer ·
3,830 open postings ask for a systems engineer as of Sep 25, 2026, from 180 employers. The median advertised minimum is $110,500. 1,674 of those postings are new in the last 30 days, so expect competition.
3,830open postings
180employers hiring
$110,500median advertised minimum
1,674new in 30 days
Who you're competing with
Open postings · Ayla, 2026-09-25
What it pays
Advertised minimum, 2,466 postings with pay · OPM actual pay, Jul 2026
Questions buyers ask
How hard is it to hire a systems engineer?
Hard. 180 employers are hiring the role right now, led by Northrop Grumman with 575 open postings.
What should I pay a systems engineer?
Advertised minimums center on $110,500. Federal staff in series 0801 average $158,716 in actual pay.