Software developers
SOC Code: 15-1252Also known as:
AI Specialist (Artificial Intelligence Specialist), Application Analyst, Application Architect, Application Developer, Application Engineer
Median Annual Salary
$133,080
+15.8% growth (2024-2034)
115K
Openings/Year
1.7M
Current Jobs
What Software developers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$133,080
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+15.8%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
115K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
1,693,800
Projected Employment (2034)
1,961,400
Related Careers
Computer systems analysts
$103,790 •
+8.7% growth
Database administrators
$104,620 •
-0.7% growth
Computer programmers
$98,670 •
-6.0% growth
Software quality assurance analysts and testers
$102,610 •
+10.0% growth
Computer occupations, all other
$108,970 •
+8.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Programming
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Reading Comprehension
Active Learning
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
- Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
- Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
- Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
- Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status.
- Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
- Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
- Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.
- Determine system performance standards.
- Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Software developers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a software developers:
Computer Science
79,857 degrees awarded •
1,001 colleges offer this program
Information Technology
42,322 degrees awarded •
668 colleges offer this program
Information Science/Studies
22,425 degrees awarded •
380 colleges offer this program
Computer Engineering, General
13,508 degrees awarded •
303 colleges offer this program
Computer Programming/Programmer, General
11,341 degrees awarded •
390 colleges offer this program
Data Science, General
7,668 degrees awarded •
243 colleges offer this program
Computer Software Engineering
5,994 degrees awarded •
135 colleges offer this program
Informatics
3,067 degrees awarded •
71 colleges offer this program
Computer Programming, Specific Applications
2,813 degrees awarded •
133 colleges offer this program
Artificial Intelligence
1,653 degrees awarded •
87 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Software developers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become software developers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software developers make?
The median annual salary for software developers is $133,080.
What education do software developers need?
Most software developers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Science/Studies.
Is becoming software developers a good career choice?
Software developers is projected to see +15.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 115,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for software developers?
Top colleges for aspiring software developers include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, University of Southern California, University of California-San Diego, University of California-Berkeley.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to software developers?
Software developers may also be known as: AI Specialist (Artificial Intelligence Specialist), Application Analyst, Application Architect, Application Developer, Application Engineer, Application Integration Engineer, Application Integrator, Application Programmer, Application Software Engineering IT Specialist (Application Software Engineering Information Technology Specialist), Application Support Engineer, Application Systems Analyst, Application Systems Architect, Beta Tester, Business Application Developer, Certified Internetwork Expert, Commercial Drone Software Developer, Computer Application Developer, Computer Application Engineer, Computer Architect, Computer Consultant.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.