Software developers, applications held about 944,200 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of software developers, applications were as follows:
Computer systems design and related services | 34% |
Finance and insurance | 10 |
Software publishers | 10 |
Manufacturing | 7 |
Management of companies and enterprises | 5 |
Software developers, systems software held about 421,300 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of software developers, systems software were as follows:
Computer systems design and related services | 31% |
Manufacturing | 19 |
Finance and insurance | 6 |
Software publishers | 5 |
Engineering services | 4 |
In general, software development is a collaborative process, and developers work on teams with others who also contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software. However, some developers work at home.
Work Schedules
Most software developers work full time and additional work hours are common.
Software developers usually have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and strong computer programming skills.
Education
Software developers usually have a bachelor’s degree, typically in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Computer science degree programs are the most common, because they tend to cover a broad range of topics. Students should focus on classes related to building software to better prepare themselves for work in the occupation. Many students gain experience in software development by completing an internship at a software company while in college. For some positions, employers may prefer that applicants have a master’s degree.
Although writing code is not their first priority, developers must have a strong background in computer programming. They usually gain this experience in school. Throughout their career, developers must keep up to date on new tools and computer languages.
Software developers also need skills related to the industry in which they work. Developers working in a bank, for example, should have knowledge of finance so that they can understand a bank’s computing needs.
Advancement
Software developers can advance to become information technology (IT) project managers, also called computer and information systems managers, a position in which they oversee the software development process.
Software developers typically have an interest in the Building, Thinking and Organizing interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The Thinking interest area indicates a focus on researching, investigating, and increasing the understanding of natural laws. The Organizing interest area indicates a focus on working with information and processes to keep things arranged in orderly systems.
If you are not sure whether you have a Building or Thinking or Organizing interest which might fit with a career as a software developer, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Software developers should also possess the following specific qualities:
Analytical skills. Developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs.
Communication skills . Developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project.
Computer skills. Developers must understand computer capabilities and languages in order to design effective software.
Creativity. Developers are the creative minds behind new computer software.
Customer-service skills. Some developers must be able to explain to their customers how the software works and answer any questions that arise.
Detail oriented. Developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail.
Interpersonal skills. Software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software.
Problem-solving skills. Because developers are in charge of the software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process.
The median annual wage for software developers, applications was $103,620 in May 2018. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,660, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $161,290.
The median annual wage for software developers, systems software was $110,000 in May 2018. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $66,740, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $166,960.
In May 2018, the median annual wages for software developers, applications in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Software publishers | $114,320 |
Manufacturing | 110,290 |
Finance and insurance | 107,960 |
Management of companies and enterprises | 104,420 |
Computer systems design and related services | 100,080 |
In May 2018, the median annual wages for software developers, systems software in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Manufacturing | $118,900 |
Engineering services | 113,250 |
Finance and insurance | 111,380 |
Software publishers | 110,920 |
Computer systems design and related services | 108,790 |
Most software developers work full time and additional work hours are common.
Employment of software developers is projected to grow 21 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of applications developers is projected to grow 26 percent, and employment of systems developers is projected to grow 10 percent. The main reason for the growth in both applications developers and systems developers is a large increase in the demand for computer software.
The need for new applications on smart phones and tablets will help increase the demand for applications software developers.
The health and medical insurance and reinsurance carriers industry will need innovative software to manage new healthcare policy enrollments and administer existing policies digitally. As the number of people who use this digital platform increases over time, demand for software developers will grow.
Systems developers are likely to see new opportunities because of an increase in the number of products that use software. For example, more computer systems are being built into consumer electronics and other products, such as cell phones and appliances.
Concerns over threats to computer security could result in more investment in security software to protect computer networks and electronic infrastructure. In addition, an increase in software offered over the Internet should lower costs and allow more customization for businesses, also increasing demand for software developers.
Job Prospects
Job prospects will be best for applicants with knowledge of the most up-to-date programming tools and for those who are proficient in one or more programming languages.
For more information about software developers, visit
Association for Computing Machinery
Computing Research Association
For information about opportunities for women pursuing information technology careers, visit
National Center for Women & Information Technology