Software Developer Career and Salary Profile
Individuals pursuing a software developer career will have excellent job prospects, as information technology remains one of the brightest spots in today’s employment landscape. Software developers create, test and evaluate software systems and applications used for everything from computer operations, to workplace productivity, to entertainment. Enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program in computer information systems (CIS) can be the first step to becoming an in-demand software developer.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), projects that employment of computer software engineers and computer programmers, including software developers, will grow much faster than other occupations in coming years. A large number of new jobs will be created in this field as computer networks expand and Internet technologies continue to evolve. Software developer career growth will also occur as businesses’ technology needs become more complex – resulting in more sophisticated computer systems and networks – and as mobile technology drives demand for new products and applications.
Software Developer Job Duties
Software developers help organizations achieve goals with software-based solutions. Often, they specialize in a particular software package or coding language. These information technology professionals may update existing software or develop new programs to address a specific need or solve a particular problem.
Many companies rely on software developers to contribute to business growth. To accomplish this, software developers may generate ideas to improve system design or streamline product delivery, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction, sales and profits. Analyzing information to determine, plan and recommend new programs is another way developers meet this objective.
A large part of software developer career success depends on the ability to make good technical decisions that impact positively on adjacent systems or provide useful features. A software developer may achieve this by consulting with management and staff to determine needs, interacting with other developers, documenting best practices and frequently reviewing code.
Some software developers may supervise or assist other computer information systems staff. They might coordinate the installation of new software systems, train staff on how to use software and provide ongoing support. Preparing reports, writing proposals, updating project specifications and publishing updates may also be among a software developer’s responsibilities.
Computer software developers often interact with marketing, sales or supply chain department heads. They generally work in an office setting. While a 40-hour work week is typical, some overtime may be required, particularly when preparing for a new software release. Those working for software vendors may be required to travel to customer locations.
Potential Salary for Software Developers
For professionals who embark on a software developer career, salaries may vary slightly depending on whether their specialization is systems software or applications software. According to BLS reports for May 2009, the average annual salary for computer systems software engineers – including software developers – was $96,620. The middle 50% earned between $74,520 and $116,510. Salaries for the lowest 10% were around $59,600, while the highest 10% earned upwards of $139,930. For computer applications software engineers, the BLS reported an average annual salary of $90,170 as of May 2009. The middle 50% earned between $69,230 and $107,710, while the lowest 10% earned about $54,840. The highest 10% had incomes in excess of $132,080 per year. Recent bachelor’s degree program graduates will typically start out at the lower end of the scale and move up in salary with experience and advanced education.
Education and Training
Most entry-level software developer positions require a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field. Employers often seek to hire candidates with previous software development experience, which can be obtained through internships or work-study programs while pursuing a degree.
The path to a software developer career can begin with earning a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems. Coursework usually includes a survey of software systems, programming in Java and C++, Visual Basic, introduction to Internet applications, and systems analysis and design.
Employers can be confident that graduates of a computer information systems program are able to:
- Develop and implement software systems and applications to achieve corporate objectives.
- Apply accepted theories of decision analysis to forecasting and linear programming.
- Analyze current systems and create, test, implement, maintain and document programs through knowledge of the system-development cycle.
- Understand the Internet’s role in business, including web-based marketing, security and the regulatory environment.
- Leverage advanced technical skills and knowledge to succeed in a software developer career.
Many employers offer opportunities for continuing education. It’s possible to gain an entry-level position with a bachelor’s degree and use tuition assistance to further your education.
The Path to a Software Developer Career
If you are highly analytical, self-motivated, creative, inquisitive and a natural with computers, you could be well suited to a software developer career. Other essential attributes include excellent communication and research skills, a knack for understanding new concepts quickly and an interest in the latest technological developments. By combining these talents with a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, you’ll have what it takes to succeed in a software developer career!
