Software Developers
Software developers design computer applications or programs. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report defects.
Is software developers a good career?
It scores 69/100 and ranks #13 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($135,980 vs $61,390)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+15.8% through 2034)
- High volume of openings — about 115,200 a year
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What software developers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. software developers earn between $105,210 and $171,980 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live software developers jobs
Backend/API Engineer, Money as a Service
Backend/API Engineer, Money as a Service
How to become a software developer
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering or mathematics. Computer and information technology degree programs cover a broad range of topics. Students may gain experience in software development by completing an internship, such as at a software company, while in college. For some software developer positions, employers may prefer that applicants have a master’s degree.
Although writing code is not their primary responsibility, developers must have a strong background in computer programming. They usually gain this experience in school. Throughout their career, developers must keep up to date on new tools and computer languages.
Advancement
Software developers can advance to become project management specialists or computer and information systems managers, positions in which they oversee the software development process.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must evaluate users’ needs and then design software to function properly and meet those needs.
Communication skills. These workers must be able to give clear instructions and explain problems that arise to other team members involved in development. They must also be able to explain to nontechnical users, such as customers, how the software works and answer any questions that arise.
Creativity. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must be innovative in their approaches to designing, identifying problems with, and improving computer software.
Detail oriented. These workers often need to concentrate on many parts of an application or system at the same time, and they must pay attention to detail when looking for potential areas of user error.
Interpersonal skills. Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, programming, and testing successful software.
Problem-solving skills. Because these workers produce software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process.
Related occupations
How much do software developers make?
The national median wage is $135,980 a year, with the middle half earning between $105,210 and $171,980 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is software developers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 69 of 100 and ranks #13 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +15.8% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a software developer?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do software developers earn the most?
Among states, California pays the highest median ($174,410). Local pay for every state and metro is below.