Software Developers

What Software Developers Do

Software developers create the applications or systems that run on a computer or another device.

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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 a Software Developer

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

Pay

The median annual wage for software developers was $107,510 in May 2019.

Job Outlook

Employment of software developers is projected to grow 22 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Software developers will be needed to respond to an increased demand for computer software.

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.

Duties

Software developers typically do the following:

Analyze users’ needs and then design, test, and develop software to meet those needs
Recommend software upgrades for customers’ existing programs and systems
Design each piece of an application or system and plan how the pieces will work together
Create a variety of models and diagrams (such as flowcharts) that show programmers the software code needed for an application
Ensure that a program continues to function normally through software maintenance and testing
Document every aspect of an 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 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.

Software developers held about 1.5 million jobs in 2019. The largest employers of software developers were as follows:

Computer systems design and related services	33%
Manufacturing	11
Software publishers	9
Management of companies and enterprises	5
Insurance carriers and related activities	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.

Work Schedules

Most software developers work full time and additional work hours are common.

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

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2019
Computer and Information Research Scientists	Computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology.	Master’s degree	$122,840
Computer and Information Systems Managers	Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.	Bachelor’s degree	$146,360
Computer Hardware Engineers	Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components.	Bachelor’s degree	$117,220
Computer Network Architects	Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets.	Bachelor’s degree	$112,690
Computer Programmers	Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly.	Bachelor’s degree	$86,550
Computer Support Specialists	Computer support specialists provide help and advice to computer users and organizations.	See How to Become One	$54,760
Computer Systems Analysts	Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and find a solution that is more efficient and effective.	Bachelor’s degree	$90,920
Database Administrators	Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data.	Bachelor’s degree	$93,750
Information Security Analysts	Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.	Bachelor’s degree	$99,730
Mathematicians and Statisticians	Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply mathematical and statistical techniques to help solve problems.	Master’s degree	$92,030
Postsecondary Teachers	Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and technical subjects beyond the high school level.	See How to Become One	$79,540
Web Developers	Web developers design and create websites.	Associate’s degree	$73,760