USA Career Guide-Software Developers
Education needed to be Software Developers
To become Software Developers you should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. A degree in mathematics is also acceptable. For some positions, employers may prefer a master’s degree.
Pay
As reported by BLS the median annual wage of applications developers was $87,790 in May 2010. The median annual wage of systems developers was $94,180 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,040, and the top 10 percent earned more than $143,330.
Job Prospects of Software Developers
There is promising future in store for the software developers as it is projected to grow 30 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations by Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Employment of applications developers is projected to grow 28 percent, and employment of systems developers is projected to grow 32 percent.
The main reason for the rapid growth is a large increase in the demand for computer software. Demand for these professionals is due to growing market for mobile technology, healthcare industry requires new applications, healthcare industry and cyber security. The use of computer systems and applications is greatly increasing and more investment is being done in security software to protect computer networks and electronic infrastructure.
Job prospects will be best for applicants with knowledge of the most up-to-date programming tools and languages. Consulting opportunities for software developers also should be good as businesses seek help to manage, upgrade, and customize their increasingly complicated computer systems.
Industrial Overview of Software Developers
Software developers held 913,100 jobs in 2010. Many software developers work for computer systems design and related services firms or software publishers. Some work in computer and electronic product manufacturing industries. Some developers telecommute (work away from the office)
The industries where software developers are most commonly employed
Computer systems design and related services 32%
Computer and electronic product manufacturing 10%
Finance and insurance 8%
Software publishers 7%
Source:Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition
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