What They Do: Software developers create the applications or systems that run on a computer or another device.
Work Environment: Many software developers work for firms that deal in computer systems design and related services, manufacturing, or for software publishers.
How to Become One: Software developers usually have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and strong computer programming skills.
Salary: The median annual wage for software developers, applications is $103,620. The median annual wage for software developers, systems software is $110,000.
Job Outlook: Employment of software developers is projected to grow 21 percent over the next ten years, much faster than the average for all occupations. Software developers will be needed to respond to an increased demand for computer software.
Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of software developers with similar occupations.
Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.
Software developers typically do the following:
Software developers are in charge of the entire development process for a software program. They may begin by asking how the customer plans to use the software. They must identify the core functionality that users need from software programs. Software developers must also determine user requirements that are unrelated to the functions of the software, such as the level of security and performance needs. 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 if testers find it too 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.
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. 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.
The following are examples of 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 for computers that 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 used by cell phones and cars.
Applications software developers hold about 944,200 jobs. The largest employers of applications software developers are as follows:
| Computer systems design and related services | 34% |
| Finance and insurance | 10% |
| Software publishers | 10% |
| Manufacturing | 7% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 5% |
Systems software developers hold about 421,300 jobs. The largest employers of systems software developers are as follows:
| Computer systems design and related services | 31% |
| Manufacturing | 19% |
| Finance and insurance | 6% |
| Software publishers | 5% |
| Engineering services | 4% |
In general, software development is a collaborative process, and developers work on teams with others who also contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software. However, some developers work at home.
Most software developers work full time and additional work hours are common.
Get the education you need: Find schools for Software Developers near you!
Software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science and strong computer programming skills.
Software developers usually have a bachelor's degree, typically in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. 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 to better prepare themselves for work in the occupation. Many students gain experience in software development by completing an internship at a software company while in college. For some positions, employers may prefer that applicants have 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.
Software developers can advance to become information technology (IT) project managers, also called computer and information systems managers, a position in which they oversee the software development process.
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. They must also explain to their customers how the software works and answer any questions that arise.
Creativity. Developers are the creative minds behind new computer software.
Detail oriented. Developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail.
Interpersonal skills. Software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software.
Problem-solving skills. Because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process.
The median annual wage for applications software developers is $103,620. 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 $61,660, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $161,290.
The median annual wage for systems software developers is $110,000. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $66,740, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $166,960.
The median annual wages for applications software developers in the top industries in which they work are as follows:
| Software publishers | $114,320 |
| Manufacturing | $110,290 |
| Finance and insurance | $107,960 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | $104,420 |
| Computer systems design and related services | $100,080 |
The median annual wages for systems software developers in the top industries in which they work are as follows:
| Manufacturing | $118,900 |
| Engineering services | $113,250 |
| Finance and insurance | $111,380 |
| Software publishers | $110,920 |
| Computer systems design and related services | $108,790 |
Most software developers work full time and additional work hours are common.
Employment of software developers is projected to grow 21 percent over the next ten years, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of applications developers is projected to grow 30 percent, and employment of systems developers is projected to grow 11 percent. The main reason for the growth in both applications developers and systems developers is a large increase in the demand for computer software.
The need for new applications on smart phones and tablets will help increase the demand for applications software developers.
The health and medical insurance and reinsurance carriers industry will need innovative software to manage new healthcare policy enrollments and administer existing policies digitally. As the number of people who use this digital platform increases over time, demand for software developers will grow.
Systems developers are likely to see new opportunities because of an increase in the number of products that use software. For example, more computer systems are being built into consumer electronics and other products, such as cell phones and appliances.
Concerns over threats to computer security could result in more investment in security software to protect computer networks and electronic infrastructure. In addition, an increase in software offered over the Internet should lower costs and allow more customization for businesses, also increasing demand for software developers.
Job prospects will be best for applicants with knowledge of the most up-to-date programming tools and for those who are proficient in one or more programming languages.
| Occupational Title | Employment, 2018 | Projected Employment, 2028 | Change, 2018-28 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||
| Software developers | 1,365,500 | 1,649,600 | 21 | 299,500 |
| Software developers, applications | 944,200 | 1,185,700 | 26 | 241,500 |
| Software developers, systems software | 421,300 | 463,900 | 10 | 42,600 |
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.