What They Do: Software developers design computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects.
Work Environment: Many software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work in computer systems design and related services, in manufacturing, or for software publishers. They often work in offices and on teams with other software developers or quality assurance analysts and testers.
How to Become One: Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire developers who have a master's degree.
Salary: The median annual wage for software developers is $120,730. The median annual wage for software quality assurance analysts and testers is $98,220.
Job Outlook: Employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 25 percent over the next ten years, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers with similar occupations.
Software developers create the computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks and the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks. Software quality assurance analysts and testers design and execute software tests to identify problems and learn how the software works.
Software developers typically do the following:
Software quality assurance analysts and testers typically do the following:
Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are involved in the entire process of creating a software program. Developers may begin by asking how the customer plans to use the software so that they can identify the core functionality the user needs. Software developers also determine other requirements, such as security. They design the program and then work closely with programmers, who write computer code. However, some developers write code themselves instead of giving instructions to programmers.
Software quality assurance analysts and testers design and execute systems to check the software for problems. As part of their testing, these workers document and track the software's potential defects or risks. They also assess its usability and functionality to identify difficulties a user might have. After completing testing, they report the results to software or web developers and review ways to solve any problems they found.
After the program is released to the customer, a developer may perform upgrades and maintenance. Quality assurance analysts and testers run manual and automated checks to look for errors and usability problems once the software is released and after any upgrades or maintenance.
The following are examples of types of software developers:
Applications software developers design computer applications, such as 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 databases or programs for use internally or online.
Software engineers take a broad view of a project's system and software requirements, planning its scope and order of work. These workers may direct software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers.
Systems software developers create the operating systems for the public or specifically for an organization. These operating systems keep computers functioning and control most of the consumer electronics in use today, including those in cell phones and cars. Often, systems software developers also build the interface that allows users to interact with the computer.
Developers who supervise a software project from the planning stages through implementation sometimes are called information technology (IT) project managers. These workers monitor the project's progress to ensure that it meets deadlines, standards, and cost targets. For information on IT project managers who plan and direct an organization's IT department or IT policies, see the profile on computer and information systems (CIS) managers.
Software developers hold about 1.4 million jobs. The largest employers of software developers are as follows:
| Computer systems design and related services | 32% |
| Finance and insurance | 11% |
| Software publishers | 10% |
| Manufacturing | 9% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 5% |
Software quality assurance analysts and testers hold about 196,300 jobs. The largest employers of software developers are as follows:
| Computer systems design and related services | 33% |
| Finance and insurance | 11% |
| Software publishers | 9% |
| Administrative and support services | 7% |
| Manufacturing | 7% |
Developing software is usually a collaborative process. As a result, developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work on teams with others who also contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software.
Most software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work full time.
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Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire developers who have a master's degree.
Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering or mathematics. Computer and information technology degree programs cover a broad range of topics. Students may gain experience in software development by completing an internship, such as at a software company, while in college. For some software developer positions, employers may prefer that applicants have a master's degree.
Although writing code is not their primary responsibility, 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 can advance to become project management specialists or computer and information systems managers, positions in which they oversee the software development process.
Analytical skills. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must evaluate users' needs and then design software to function properly and meet those needs.
Communication skills. These workers must be able to give clear instructions and explain problems that arise to other team members involved in development. They must also be able to explain to nontechnical users, such as customers, how the software works and answer any questions that arise.
Creativity. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must be innovative in their approaches to designing, identifying problems with, and improving computer software.
Detail oriented. These workers often need to concentrate on many parts of an application or system at the same time, and they must pay attention to detail when looking for potential areas of user error.
Interpersonal skills. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, programming, and testing successful software.
Problem-solving skills. Because these workers produce software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process.
The median annual wage for software developers is $120,730. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $64,470, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $168,570.
The median annual wage for software quality assurance analysts and testers is $98,220. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,960, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $153,250.
The median annual wages for software developers in the top industries in which they work are as follows:
| Software publishers | $130,180 |
| Manufacturing | $124,950 |
| Finance and insurance | $124,390 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | $120,710 |
| Computer systems design and related services | $103,010 |
The median annual wages for software quality assurance analysts and testers in the top industries in which they work are as follows:
| Manufacturing | $102,090 |
| Computer systems design and related services | $98,000 |
| Software publishers | $94,980 |
| Finance and insurance | $92,660 |
| Administrative and support services | $86,060 |
Most software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work full time.
Employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 25 percent over the next ten years, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 162,900 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.
Increased demand for software developers, software quality assurance analysts, and testers will stem from the continued expansion of software development for artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and other automation applications.
In response to concerns over threats to computer security, organizations are expected to increase investment in software that protects their electronic networks and infrastructure. This investment could result in an increased demand for developers to create security software and for quality assurance analysts and testers to create and execute software tests.
Software developers, software quality assurance analysts, and testers are likely to see new opportunities because of the increasing number of products that use software. For example, software systems continue to be built for consumer electronics and other products, including IoT-connected devices and electric vehicles.
| Occupational Title | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||
| Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers | 1,622,200 | 2,033,600 | 25 | 411,400 |
| Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers | 1,425,900 | 1,796,500 | 26 | 370,600 |
| Software quality assurance analysts and testers | 196,300 | 237,100 | 21 | 40,800 |
For more information about software developers, visit
Association for Computing Machinery
Computing Research Association
For information about opportunities for women pursuing information technology careers, visit
A portion of the information on this page is used by permission of the U.S. Department of Labor.