Software Developers : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Summary

Software developers design computer programs.

Quick Facts: Software Developers
2010 Median Pay	$90,530 per year $43.52 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2010	913,100
Job Outlook, 2010-20	30% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	270,900

What Software Developers Do

Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks.

Work Environment

Many software developers work for computer systems design and related services firms or software publishers. Others work in computer and electronic product manufacturing industries. Most work full time, and nearly one-fourth worked more than 40 hours per week in 2010.

How to Become a Software Developer

Software developers usually have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and strong computer-programming skills.

Pay

The median annual wage of applications software developers was $87,790 in May 2010. The median annual wage of systems software developers was $94,180 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of software developers is projected to grow 30 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. The main reason for the rapid growth is a large increase in the demand for computer software.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of software developers with similar occupations.

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What Software Developers Do About this section

Developers create flow charts that help programmers write computer code.

Duties

Software developers typically do the following:

Analyze users’ needs, then design, test, and develop software to meet those needs
Recommend software upgrades for customers' existing programs and systems
Design each piece of the application or system and plan how the pieces will work together
Create flowcharts and other models that instruct programmers how to write the software’s code
Ensure that the software continues to function normally through software maintenance and testing
Document every aspect of the 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 begin by understanding how the customer plans to use the software. 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 people find it to 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.

Developers usually work closely with computer programmers. However, in some companies, developers write code themselves instead of giving instructions to programmers. For more information, see the profile on computer programmers.

Developers who supervise a software project from the planning stages through implementation sometimes are called IT (information technology) project managers. These workers monitor the project’s progress to ensure that it meets deadlines, standards, and cost targets. IT project managers who plan and direct an organization’s IT department or IT policies are included in the profile on computer and information systems managers. For more information, see the profile on computer and information systems managers.

The following are types of software developers:

Applications 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 applications software developers create complex databases for organizations. They also create programs that people use over the Internet and within a company’s intranet.

Systems software developers create the systems that keep computers functioning properly. These could be operating systems that are part of computers the general public buys or systems built specifically for an organization. Often, systems software developers also build the system’s interface, which is what allows users to interact with the computer. Systems software developers create the operating systems that control most of the consumer electronics in use today, including those in phones or cars.

Work Environment About this section

Developers may oversee a team of people during the software development process.

Software developers held 913,100 jobs in 2010.

Many software developers work for computer systems design and related services firms or software publishers. Some work in computer and electronic product manufacturing industries. Some developers telecommute (work away from the office).

The following table shows the industries where software developers are most commonly employed.

Computer systems design and related services	32%
Computer and electronic product manufacturing	10
Finance and insurance	8
Software publishers	7

Work Schedules

Most software developers work full time, and long hours are common. Nearly one-fourth worked more than 40 hours per week in 2010.

How to Become a Software Developer About this section

Software developers usually have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and strong computer-programming skills.

Education

Software developers usually have a bachelor’s degree, typically in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. A degree in mathematics is also acceptable. Computer science degree programs are the most common, because they tend to cover a broad range of topics. Students should focus on classes related to building software in order to better prepare themselves for work in the occupation. For some positions, employers may prefer a master’s degree.

Although writing code is not their first priority, developers must have a strong background in computer programming. They usually gain this experience in school. Throughout their career, developers must keep up to date on new tools and computer languages.

Software developers also need skills related to the industry in which they work. Developers working in a bank, for example, should have knowledge of finance so that they can understand a bank’s computing needs.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Developers must analyze users' needs and then design software to meet those needs.

Communication skills. Developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project.

Creativity. Developers are the creative minds behind a new piece of computer software.

Customer-service skills. Some developers must be able to explain to their customers how the software works and answer any questions that arise.

Detail oriented. Developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail.

Problem-solving skills. Because developers are in charge of the software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process.

Teamwork. Software developers must be able to work well with others, who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software.

Technical skills. Developers must understand computer capabilities and languages in order to design an effective piece of software.

Pay About this section

Software Developers

Median annual wages, May 2010

Software Developers, Systems Software: $94,180
Software Developers: $90,530
Software Developers, Applications: $87,790
Total, All Occupations: $33,840

The median annual wage of applications developers was $87,790 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than the amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $54,360, and the top 10 percent earned more than $133,110. The median annual wage of systems developers was $94,180 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,040, and the top 10 percent earned more than $143,330.

Most software developers work full time, and long hours are common. Nearly one-fourth worked more than 40 hours per week in 2010.

Job Outlook About this section

Software Developers

Percent change in employment, projected 2010-20

Software Developers, Systems Software: 32%
Software Developers: 30%
Software Developers, Applications: 28%
Total, All Occupations: 14%

Employment of software developers is projected to grow 30 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of applications developers is projected to grow 28 percent, and employment of systems developers is projected to grow 32 percent.

The main reason for the rapid growth is a large increase in the demand for computer software. Mobile technology requires new applications. Also, the healthcare industry is greatly increasing its use of computer systems and applications. Finally, concerns over cybersecurity should result in more investment in security software to protect computer networks and electronic infrastructure.

Systems developers should see new opportunities because of an increase in the number of products that use software. For example, computer systems are built into consumer electronics, such as cell phones, and into other products that are now computerized, such as appliances. An increase in software offered over the Internet should lower costs and allow more customization for businesses, also increasing demand for software developers.

Some outsourcing to foreign countries with lower wages may occur. However, because software developers should be close to their customers, the offshoring of this occupation is expected to be limited.

Job Prospects

Job prospects will be best for applicants with knowledge of the most up-to-date programming tools and languages. Consulting opportunities for software developers also should be good as businesses seek help to manage, upgrade, and customize their increasingly complicated computer systems.

Employment projections data for software developers, 2010-20
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2010	Projected Employment, 2020	Change, 2010-20		Employment by Industry
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2010	Projected Employment, 2020	Percent	Numeric	Employment by Industry
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Software Developers	—	913,100	1,184,000	30	270,900	—
Software Developers, Applications	15-1132	520,800	664,500	28	143,800	[XLS]
Software Developers, Systems Software	15-1133	392,300	519,400	32	127,200	[XLS]

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of software developers.

Occupation	Job Duties	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2010 MEDIAN PAY
Computer and Information Research Scientists	Computer and information research scientists invent and design new technology and find new uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, and other uses.	Doctoral or professional degree	$100,660
Computer and Information Systems Managers	Computer and information systems managers, often called information technology managers (IT managers or IT project managers), plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing the appropriate computer systems to meet those goals.	Bachelor’s degree	$115,780
Computer Hardware Engineers	Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer equipment such as chips, circuit boards, or routers. By solving complex problems in computer hardware, these engineers create rapid advances in computer technology.	Bachelor’s degree	$98,810
Computer Programmers	Computer programmers write code to create software programs. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.	Bachelor’s degree	$71,380
Computer Support Specialists	Computer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some, called technical support specialists, support information technology (IT) employees within their organization. Others, called help-desk technicians, assist non-IT users who are having computer problems.	Some college, no degree	$46,260
Computer Systems Analysts	Computer systems analysts study an organization's current computer systems and procedures and make recommendations to management to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.	Bachelor’s degree	$77,740
Database Administrators	Database administrators use software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and are secure from unauthorized access.	Bachelor’s degree	$73,490
Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, and Computer Network Architects	Information security analysts, web developers, and computer network architects all use information technology (IT) to advance their organization’s goals. Security analysts ensure a firm’s information stays safe from cyberattacks. Web developers create websites to help firms have a public face. Computer network architects create the internal networks all workers within organizations use.	Bachelor’s degree	$75,660
Mathematicians	Mathematicians use high-level mathematics and technology to develop new mathematical principles, understand relationships between existing principles, and solve real-world problems.	Master’s degree	$99,380