Software Developer Career Information

A software developer creates the applications, systems, and programs that run on computers or other devices. There are two main types of software developers. First: software application developers, who design general computer or mobile apps for customers. Second: systems software developers, who design operating systems-level software for organizations.

What skills do you need to become a software developer?

Software developers have a way with numbers and love to solve puzzles and troubleshoot. With your analytical and creative mindset, you should be able to patiently and efficiently seek solutions to customer and organizational problems, without getting stressed or bored. And while software developers spend a lot of time with their heads down, coding away, they also need great communication skills, as they usually work on a team of other developers and engineers. Detail orientation is important, too, as you’ll be dealing with a lot of numbers and letters—and one small typo can mess up everything.

What experience and/or certifications do you need to be a software developer?

The vast majority of software developer jobs require a bachelor’s degree, but there are also numerous coding bootcamps out there. Over half of all software developers graduate with a computer science degree, while the other half have a degree in computer engineering, mathematics, electrical engineering, or computer and information sciences. Before applying to be a software developer, you should have strong data and technology skills. While the exact tools and languages will vary based on the company, commonly required languages include Python, Java, JavaScript, HTML, C#, and SQL. It’s also helpful to know Excel.

Generally speaking, tech giants and Silicon Valley start-ups don’t look kindly on software developer certifications—but small, non-tech companies might care about them. So, consider where you want to apply before pursuing a certification. To build your knowledge of specific languages, you can take courses on Udemy or Coursera.

What companies and industries employ software developers?  

Software developers are most likely to be employed in computer systems design services. Other industries that employ software developers are manufacturing, software publishing, finance and insurance, and engineering. In addition to being hired as a software developer, similar roles at these companies include front-end developer, web developer, and software engineer.

Where can a software developer internship take you?

Software developer jobs can be found across all major cities, including Seattle, New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Los Angeles. Check out the graph below for a snapshot of life after a software developer internship.

Chegg internal data model

What is the job outlook and salary for software developer roles?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for software developers is projected to grow 21% over the next decade. This is much faster than average. The median annual salary for a software developer is $105,590.