Software Developers

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.

$131,450

Median Annual Pay

Jobs growth:

+15% projected 2024–2034

Bachelor's degree

Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Software developers create the applications, programs, and systems that power computers, smartphones, and other digital devices. They spend their days writing and testing code, debugging software to fix problems, and collaborating with team members to build new features or improve existing ones. Their work involves translating user needs into technical solutions, whether they're developing mobile apps, business software, video games, or operating systems. Developers typically work in office settings or remotely, spending most of their time at computers using specialized programming languages and development tools.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Computer Science(masters)Stanford University, CA

Computer Engineering(masters)Harvard University, MA

Information Science/Studies(professional)University of California-Berkeley, CA

Computer Science(bachelors)California Institute of Technology, CA

Computer Science(bachelors)Carnegie Mellon University, PA

Mathematics and Computer Science(bachelors)Harvey Mudd College, CA

Computer Science(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

Computer and Information Sciences(masters)Harvard University, MA

Computer Engineering(masters)University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, MI

Computer Science(masters)Washington State University, WA

Computer Science(masters)Central Washington University, WA

Computer Science(masters)City University of Seattle, WA

Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Seattle Campus, WA

Computer Science(masters)Saint Martin's University, WA

Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Bothell Campus, WA

Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, WA

Computer Science(bachelors)Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA

Computer Engineering(masters)Santa Clara University, CA

Computer Science(masters)Cornell University, NY

Computer Science(bachelors)Cornell University, NY

Computer Science(bachelors)Harvard University, MA

Computer Science(bachelors)Brown University, RI

Computer and Information Sciences(masters)Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA

Computer Science(bachelors)University of California-Berkeley, CA

Computer Science(masters)University of California-Irvine, CA

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