Customize Your Journey
For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Software Developers

Median Salary
132,270
Job Outlook
+48%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

89%

Private not for profit

3%

Self-employed

3%

Federal Government

2%

State and local government

2%

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 140,100 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$61,030

10%

$132,270

Median

$168,660

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Information Science/Studies
  • Computer Engineering, General
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science, General
  • Information Technology
  • Computer Software Engineering
  • Computer Programming/Programmer, General
  • Informatics
  • Computer Programming, Specific Applications
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Game Programming
  • Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Computer Software Technology/Technician
  • Cloud Computing
  • Economics and Computer Science
  • Accounting and Computer Science
  • Computer Programming, Specific Platforms
  • Linguistics and Computer Science
  • Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification

Skills and Interest

No data available for this section.

Related Occupations

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.