Software developers create computer programs by conceiving, designing, and implementing them. Some create new mobile or desktop applications, while others create the operating systems that run them.
This article discusses a software developer, their job prospects, salary expectations, and how to learn and get these skills. To help you decide if a career as a software developer is right for you, you can also learn about educational requirements and job types in this niche.
Who is a software developer?
Software developers are the minds behind the design and implementation of computer programs. Their typical day entails testing new programs, analyzing user research, and developing models for new applications. Senior software developers may lead meetings, supervise employees, and manage budgets, unlike entry-level workers.
Many employers look for candidates with industry experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Software Development, Computer Programming, Information Technology, or Computer Science. Software developers usually work in offices, and many of them also work as information technology specialists in addition to their software development responsibilities.
Software developers, in any case, identify user needs, create programs, test new software, and make improvements. They work closely with computer programmers in the computer systems, manufacturing, finance, and software publishing industries.
A computer programmer creates code that tells common software programs how to operate.
The following is what software developers do:
- Modify, write, and debug software for client applications using various source debuggers and visual development environments.
- Document and test client software and write code to create stand-alone or enhanced access to servers and service applications.
The average software developer salary in 2022
The average Software Developer salary in the United States is $86,523 per year as of February 2022. That works out to about $41.60 per hour, $1,664 per week, or $7,210 per month.
The majority of Software Developer salaries currently range from $68,000 (25th percentile) to $100,000 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) making $124,000 annually across the United States, implying that there may be numerous opportunities for advancement and higher pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.
When considering location and salary for a Software Developer position, the possibility of a lower cost of living may be the most important factor to consider.
What are the top 5 highest-paying software developer jobs in the United States?
We discovered at least five jobs in the Software Developer field that pay more per year than the average Software Developer salary. Senior Software Manager, Remote Senior Software Engineer, and Senior Software Engineer Developer are just a few examples of these positions.
In addition, all of these jobs pay between $33,431 (38.6%) and $74,676 (86.3%), more than the average Software Developer salary of $86,523. If you’re qualified, one of these related Software Developer jobs could help you earn more money than the average Software Developer position.
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
| Senior Software Manager | $161,199 | $13,433 | $3,100 | $77.50 |
| Remote Senior Software Engineer | $131,875 | $10,990 | $2,536 | $63.40 |
| Senior Software Engineer Developer | $128,893 | $10,741 | $2,479 | $61.97 |
| Remote Developer | $121,262 | $10,105 | $2,332 | $58.30 |
| Financial Software Developer | $119,954 | $9,996 | $2,307 | $57.67 |
(Source)
Top 5 related jobs you can try in software development
Software developer education programs provide graduates with the hard skills and knowledge to pursue various computer and information technology careers. Your specific options are determined by your previous work experience, preferred industry, geographic location, and educational level.
Professionals with an Associate’s degree can work as web developers, while software developers and computer programmers with a Bachelor’s degree can work as software developers or computer programmers. Higher education can increase job opportunities, and Master’s degree holders can lead development teams or work as research scientists.
The top 5 related jobs you can try in software development include:
1) Computer Systems Analyst: The average salary of a Computer Systems Analyst is $99,020. These specialists build computer systems and processes.
2) IT Manager: $161,730 is the average salary for an IT manager. They are in charge of the organization’s technology.
3) Software Engineer Developer: With an average salary of $80,125 per year, software engineer developers work to create technology tools that make the jobs of others easier. These are the people who create the tools that computers use. We would be much more reliant on more difficult manual methods to complete a job if we didn’t have their expertise.
4) Software Development Manager: They make an average of $126,637, designing and developing software for medical, military, business, scientific, and general computing applications. They collect, store, and retrieve data to create the best software possible. These specialists also modify or upgrade existing software that has bugs or needs to be updated.
A software development manager must also communicate effectively with customers, engineers, and supervisors. They sometimes delegate work to programmers and engineers.
These managers must have excellent time management and coordination skills and a thorough understanding of math, science, engineering, and technology. They are in charge of training users and monitoring the equipment’s performance. Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Programming, or a closely related field is usually required.
5) Computer Network Architect: They make an average of $119,230 per year, designing and maintaining data communication networks.
Where to learn software development
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study is required for software developers. Most employers demand a degree in Software Development, but some are willing to consider other fields such as Computer Science, Programming, and related fields. Employers typically seek candidates from regionally accredited institutions to ensure that the professional has received a high-quality education.
There are numerous online programs available for software developers, allowing them to earn their degree at their own pace and gain valuable experience while doing so. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers earn a median salary of around $105,590 per year and can earn even higher salaries by pursuing advanced degrees.
Another opportunity to enter the field is to enroll in a coding bootcamp. Software development bootcamps, whether full-time or part-time, teach students the technical (and soft) skills (and certifications) needed to land a software development job.
Compared to a four-year degree in a similar field, bootcamps are typically completed in 12-15 weeks. In addition, unlike traditional educational programs, they emphasize skills rather than theory.
Intensive, full-time coding bootcamps that provide thorough career preparation and typically last several months typically cost $10,000-$15,000 in tuition.
Conclusion
Businesses of all sizes need software developers and computer programmers. Many students aspire to work for a major technology company like Google, Facebook, or Microsoft. Others look for work in small, scrappy startups focusing on innovation. Organizations are looking for people who can assist them with problem-solving skills. It is critical to develop software development skills to earn a high salary; and even if you don’t have a software development degree, it’s never too late to further your education and gain a competitive advantage in the job market.
