A medievalist by training, Melissa Sartore, Ph.D., teaches history, publishes on outlawry in medieval England, and writes for several online outlets, notably Ranker.com. She also provides her own sarcastic take on historical events and popular cultur.
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Whether creating or debugging code, software developers need coding expertise and strong attention to detail. Explore whether this career is a good fit for you.
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Software developers create software to meet user needs by employing diagrams and models, writing code, and ensuring overall functionality. These professionals design, build, and implement computer programs and applications.
Applications software developers focus on applications used on mobile devices and computer desktops. Systems software developers create and oversee software used in network distribution, along with database, game, and web development.
Software developers typically have bachelor's degrees in software development, computer science, or other related fields. Developing experience, earning certifications, and completing training programs like bootcamps allows individuals to pursue employment in the field.
Software transcends industries, allowing software developers to design and build programs for companies and organizations in the private and public sectors. Discover the skills, duties, and opportunities associated with developing software in this guide.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Software developers design, create, and maintain software for applications and systems. There are two main types of software developers: application developers and systems software developers.
Application software focuses on mobile or web applications for consumers, while systems software developers create enterprise system solutions.
Both types of developers analyze, test, and improve software to better meet user needs. They oversee the entire software lifecycle, including designing individual parts, performing maintenance, and deploying upgrades.
Developers work closely with other IT professionals, such as programmers and quality assurance analysts. They also share many responsibilities with software engineers. However, software engineers take a broader approach and apply engineering principles to the entire system. Software developers focus more on finding specific solutions to users' software needs.
Software developers typically work in the computer systems design industry. Other common employers include financial and insurance institutions, software publishers, and manufacturers.
Software development has its roots in the early 19th century, although the predecessors of modern programming languages and software design came to fruition during the mid-20th century. Alongside the growth of computers in the 1970s and 1980s, the need for software developers grew.
Technological innovation drove the expansion of software development. The creation of the internet, mobile devices, and increasingly advanced computers all led to the need for subsets within the field of software development. By the 2010s, software transitioned from a niche discipline into a widespread, commonplace industry.
In the contemporary landscape, the duties and responsibilities of a software developer include designing, creating, testing, and monitoring software programs and applications. These professionals now perform their work across many industries.
A job description for a software developer includes researching, designing, building, and managing computer and application software. They apply scientific and technological principles to user needs, write code, and ensure software functionality. These developers must know coding languages, have problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and understand the software development process.
Software developers collaborate with coders, computer programmers, software engineers, and other team members or work independently through the development process. They test software, make changes as needed, and document their efforts.
Application developers create mobile and desktop applications, while systems software engineers focus on operating systems. Game software developers, security software developers, database developers, and web developers are among the other specializations in the field.
The list below provides more information about the best programming languages for software developers.
A day in the life of a software developer includes using models and diagrams to design software based on user needs and client specifications. Software developers write code using programming languages, build software components, and test their designs. As a part of software testing, developers address issues or errors. After deploying an application, software developers perform maintenance, updates, and upgrades as needed.
Software developers may collaborate with coders, software engineers, graphic designers, and other colleagues to create applications. A day in the life of a software developer may also include independent work.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about half of existing occupations require a degree — including software developers.
Employers typically expect in-depth coding, testing, and development knowledge, which a bachelor's degree can deliver. Common majors include information technology, computer science, and software engineering. As technology advances and the field becomes more competitive, some software developers pursue master's degrees to stand out among the competition.
However, traditional degrees require a time investment: four years for a bachelor's and two years for a master's. Companies and organizations need software developers now, which is why many people enroll in coding bootcamps.
Software development bootcamps generally last less than two years, and some take only a few months. They teach individuals the basic skills to pursue entry-level positions.
Some software developers may even start with bootcamps before pursuing undergraduate degrees. Others might hold bachelor's degrees in other fields and complete bootcamps to pursue roles in the tech industry.
The BLS reports a direct correlation between education levels and salary. On average, people with bachelor's degrees earn $2,500 more monthly than those with high school diplomas.
Master's degree-holders generally earn even more, leading many software developers to pursue further education. This ongoing education helps developers keep up with new programming languages and technical advancements.
Discover more computer science degrees and concentrations Get a certificate in software developmentWith the appropriate education, people can pursue entry-level software development positions after graduation. However, employers often want candidates to have some experience.
Students can gain experience through internships or classes that allow them to build portfolios. Learners can also participate in workshops and hackathons. Many degrees and bootcamps include these opportunities as capstone projects.
Candidates can also demonstrate experience through certifications.
Computer science certifications are extra credentials that prove an individual's expertise. Students and professionals can pursue credentials for each computer science specialization, including software development.
While generally not required, certifications can speak to a person's expertise. According to Dice's 2021 report, just under half the technologists surveyed held certifications. Most stated that their role did not require certification.
However, certifications can benefit any aspiring software developer. Self-taught individuals with no formal education might use certifications to demonstrate their expertise to employers. Bootcamp and college graduates may pursue certifications to stand out in a competitive hiring environment.
Midcareer and late-career developers can earn high-level certifications as their skills develop. They might also pursue certifications in new technologies or programming languages to maintain up-to-date skills.
Each certifying body has unique recertification requirements, but professionals can expect to renew their certifications about every three years.
Find a few common software development certifications below.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software developers earn a median salary of $132,270 as of May 2023, far outpacing the national median salary of $48,060 for all occupations.
For comparison, the BLS reports that the median income for all computer occupations is $104,420. However, a software developer's salary depends on factors like industry, geographic location, and professional experience.
About 25% of software developers work in the computer systems design industry, and the top-paying industries for software developers include information services, computer equipment manufacturing, and independent artists and performers. The best states for software developers, in terms of salary, include California, Washington, and Maryland.
Annual Median Salary: $132,270 (BLS)
See how education affects salaries for software developersGetting a job as a software developer typically starts with earning a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Most bachelor's degrees include four years of requirements.
Individuals with associate degrees in computer science or comparable disciplines can also pursue employment as software developers. However, becoming employed may depend on experience and additional training, including software development bootcamps.
Software developers benefit from knowing multiple programming languages and earning professional certifications. Technology industry companies and organizations like CompTIA, EC-Council, and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association offer programs to software professionals.
This page features a step-by-step guide about the education and experience you need to become a software developer.
Readers can explore a breakdown of the daily duties, responsibilities, and activities undertaken by software developers.
This page offers a general overview of computer science degree levels and the specializations of the field.
Discover software development bootcamps, which provide comprehensive training on an accelerated timeline.
Software development-focused education programs build the hard skills and knowledge that graduates need to pursue careers in the computer and information technology sectors. Professional opportunities typically depend on past work experience, preferred industry, geographic location, and education level.
Associate degree-holders can pursue jobs in web development, while someone with a bachelor's degree can explore opportunities as software developers or computer programmers. Additional higher education credentials can boost job opportunities — candidates with master's degrees can supervise teams of developers or become research scientists.
Whatever path they choose, graduates seeking software developer careers can expect relatively high salaries. The following list explores similar computer science specializations.
| State | Number of Software Developers Employed | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | 304,390 | $173,780 |
| Washington | 89,100 | $159,990 |
| Maryland | 30,700 | $150,740 |
| New York | 105,460 | $150,020 |
| Massachusetts | 59,960 | $146,580 |
Software developers plan, create, and deploy applications across platforms. They recommend upgrades, test functionality, and maintain software once it has been employed.
Software development is a good career choice for individuals who like computers, are creative, and enjoy solving problems. The BLS projects a 26% job growth rate for the profession from 2021-2031, far outpacing the national rate for all occupations.
Software developers use languages like Python, Java, and C#. Developers who work with online programs also benefit from knowing languages like HTML and CSS.
Software developers need to know programming languages, data structures and algorithms, the software development process, and information security measures.
Page last reviewed on Nov 17, 2022
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