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

Software Developers

Median Salary
133,080
Job Outlook
+15%
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 15 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 129,200 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$64,350

10%

$133,080

Median

$170,910

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    84%

  • Associate's degree

    5%

  • Master's degree

    4%

  • High school

    3%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    1%


Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

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

Skills and Interests

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

No data available for this section.


What knowledge should you bring to the table?

No data available for this section.


What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

No data available for this section.


What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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.

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