Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Software Developers
SOC: 15-1252 O*NET: 15-1252.00
Median Salary
$133,080
per year
Job Growth
🚀 15.8%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
115.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
What does a Software Developers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$79,850
10th percentile
Early Career
$103,050
25th percentile
Median
$133,080
50th percentile
Experienced
$169,000
75th percentile
Top Earners
$211,450
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$79,850
25th
$103,050
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$133,080
Mean: $144,570
75th
$169,000
90th
$211,450
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $131,600 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $103,050 and $169,000
- •Salary spread is 49.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 1,654,440 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Very High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:1,693,800
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services41.8%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services41.8%
Computer Systems Design and Related Services31.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+15.8%
Annual Openings:115,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)1,693,800
Current
2034 (Projected)1,961,400
+15.8%
+267,700
Employment Change
+15.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Much faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Software Developers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
292,630 jobs$170,9101.51x
Texas
151,460 jobs$130,5001.02x
New York
104,130 jobs$161,2601.02x
Washington
91,470 jobs$166,9102.41x
Virginia
83,290 jobs$134,4701.91x
Florida
82,610 jobs$126,5500.78x
North Carolina
57,590 jobs$131,0001.10x
New Jersey
57,120 jobs$132,4001.25x
Illinois
54,490 jobs$127,7700.84x
Massachusetts
54,260 jobs$150,5201.39x
Colorado
48,980 jobs$134,5401.58x
Georgia
47,350 jobs$128,9200.91x
Pennsylvania
47,350 jobs$123,7400.73x
Ohio
44,280 jobs$107,6900.75x
Michigan
41,490 jobs$107,8200.88x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Much faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Programming
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Judgment and Decision Making
86%
#4
Active Learning
80%
#5
Systems Analysis
74%
#6
Reading Comprehension
66%
#7
Complex Problem Solving
60%
#8
Systems Evaluation
54%
#9
Technology Design
46%
#10
Active Listening
40%
Skills Overview
Programming
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Learning
intermediate4.0
80%
Systems Analysis
intermediate3.7
74%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.3
66%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.0
60%
Systems Evaluation
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Programming
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Systems Analysis
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Systems Evaluation
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Technology Design
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Computer and Information Research Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Database Architects82%
5 shared skills
Health Informatics Specialists67%
5 shared skills
Logistics Engineers67%
5 shared skills
Network and Computer Systems Administrators67%
5 shared skills
Petroleum Engineers67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Systems Evaluation
- →Reading Comprehension
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Programming
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Judgment and Decision Making
- ✓Active Learning
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Programming
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Judgment and Decision Making
- ★Active Learning
- ★Systems Analysis
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Software Developers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechTensorFlow
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechAtlassian Bitbucket
🔥 Hot TechDocker
🔥 Hot TechGitHub
🔥 Hot TechGitLab
🔥 Hot TechKubernetes
🔥 Hot TechRed Hat OpenShift
🔥 Hot TechSpring Boot
🔥 Hot TechAlteryx software
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
TensorFlow
The MathWorks MATLAB
Atlassian Bitbucket
Docker
GitHub
GitLab
Kubernetes
Red Hat OpenShift
Spring Boot
Alteryx software
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
17
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (7)Management & Supervision (2)Communication & Coordination (1)Operations & Execution (3)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)General Responsibilities (1)Training & Development (1)
1
Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development100% perform100%
2
Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision94% perform96%
4
Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Coordinate installation of software system.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination85% perform90%
7
Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Determine system performance standards.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution79% perform86%
9
Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Operations & Execution73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
- •41% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Software Developers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Software Developers professionals typically have a ICR Holland code
IInvestigative
CConventional
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Software Developers
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.61
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.44
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.32
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.21
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.15
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.05
Complete Work Styles Profile
Analytical Thinking
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.4
Cooperation
4.3
Persistence
4.2
Initiative
4.2
Dependability
4.0
Integrity
3.9
Concern for Others
3.8
Innovation
3.8
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.8
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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