Software Developer

Technology Careers

Mean Salary (US)

$110,140

PROJECTED JOB OUTLOOK 2020-30​​

22%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm

Table of Contents

What does a Software Developer do?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), the U.S. Department of Labor’s principal fact- finding agency for the federal government in the field of labor, economics, and statistics that provides data on employment and wages, Software Developers design computer applications, such as word processors and games, for consumers. They may create custom software for a specific customer or commercial software to be sold to the general public. Some Software Developers create complex databases for organizations. They also create programs that people use over the Internet and within a company’s intranet.

Duties

Software Developers typically do the following:

• Analyze users’ needs and then design, test, and develop software to meet those needs
• Recommend software upgrades for customers’ existing programs and systems
• Design each piece of an application or system and plan how the pieces will work together
• Create a variety of models and diagrams (such as flowcharts) that show programmers the software code needed for an application
• Ensure that a program continues to function normally through software maintenance and testing
• Document every aspect of an application or system as a reference for future maintenance and upgrades
• Collaborate with other computer specialists to create optimum software

Software Developers are in charge of the entire development process for a software program. They may begin by asking how the customer plans to use the software. They must identify the core functionality that users need from software programs. Software Developers must also determine user requirements that are unrelated to the functions of the software, such as the level of security and performance needs. They design the program and then give instructions to programmers, who write computer code and test it.

If the program does not work as expected or if testers find it too difficult to use, Software Developers go back to the design process to fix the problems or improve the program. After the program is released to the customer, a developer may perform upgrades and maintenance.

Software Developers usually work closely with computer programmers. However, in some companies, Software Developers write code themselves instead of giving instructions to programmers

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Database Administrators,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm

How much does a Software Developer get paid?*

According to BLS, the median annual wage for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers was $110,140 in May 2020.

These numbers may vary based on geography and labor market.

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm

Best-paying states for Software Developers**

According to BLS, the states that pay Software Developers the highest annual average salary are California ($146,770), Washington ($145,150), and Maryland ($131,240).

**Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”). Data as of March 2022

Interested in becoming an Software Developer?

Visit Meritize Connect to Find Training Programs in Your Area

Get Started

Software Developer Job Outlook***

According to BLS, the employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 22 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 189,200 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

***Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm

Software Developer Job Skills and Knowledge

According to O*NET Resource Center, people in this career often have these skills:

• Data base management system software — Apache Hadoop; Distributed database management software; Microsoft transact-structural query language T-SQL; Teradata Database
• Development environment software — Advanced business application programming ABAP; C; Microsoft Visual Basic; XML Path Language XPATH
• Object or component oriented development software — C++; Document Object Model DOM Scripting; Python; Simple API for XML SAX
• Program testing software — Fault testing software; Hewlett Packard LoadRunner; JUnit; Usability testing software
• Web platform development software — Allaire ColdFusion; Extensible stylesheet language transformations XSLT; Hypertext markup language HTML; JavaScript

People in this career often know a lot about:

• Computers and Electronics – Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Engineering and Technology – Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Mathematics – Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Telecommunications – Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
• Design – Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Source: O*NET Resource Center

Share This Post

Other Technology Careers