15-1252

Software Developers

Role Overview

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.

Recommended Majors

Artificial Intelligence. Information Technology. Informatics. Computer Programming/Programmer, General. Computer Programming, Specific Applications. Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification. Computer Game Programming. Computer Programming, Specific Platforms. Information Science/Studies. Computer Science. Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation. Cloud Computing. Computer Engineering, General. Computer Software Engineering. Computer Software Technology/Technician. Mathematics and Computer Science. Accounting and Computer Science. Economics and Computer Science. Linguistics and Computer Science. Data Science, General.

Related Careers

Actuaries Actuaries Computer and Information Analysts Computer and Information Research Scientists Computer and Information Research Scientists Computer and Mathematical Occupations

Salary by State (top paying)

State	Median salary
California	$170,910
Washington	$166,910
New York	$161,260
Massachusetts	$150,520
Maryland	$137,890
District of Columbia	$136,040
Oregon	$135,260
Delaware	$135,160
Colorado	$134,540
Virginia	$134,470
New Hampshire	$132,420
New Jersey	$132,400
North Carolina	$131,000
Connecticut	$130,870
Vermont	$130,720

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for this career?

Projected growth and annual openings are from BLS Employment Projections. Use the sidebar for median salary and growth rate.

How does salary vary by state?

See the Salary by State table above for state-level median wages from OEWS data.

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), BLS Employment Projections.

Median Annual Salary

$133,080

Projected Growth (10yr)

+15.8%

Avg. annual openings

115.2k

Market Insight

Explore salary and growth data to understand demand and earning potential for this role.