Professional software developers are among the most highly sought-after tech professionals in the workforce, with increased demand and talent shortages leading to large salaries for many of those in the field.
That said, software development is a dynamic field, in which new programming languages, frameworks, and technologies may live and die within a few years, and job needs are constantly shifting.
To help those interested in the field better understand how to break into a career in development, we compiled the most important details and resources. This article will explain how to become a professional developer and make a successful career out of it.
- What do Software Developers do?
- Top 10 Best US Software Developers Jobs
- Software Developer Jobs in the United States
- Why Should I Search on Glassdoor to Find Software Developer Jobs in the United States?
- What Companies Are Hiring For Software Developer Jobs in the United States?
- What is The Best Job in Software Developer?
- How do I Get a Developer Job in the USA?
- Can You Make 300k as a Software Engineer?
- Where do Software Developers Get Paid The Most?
- Do Software Engineers Make 500k?
- Which IT Jobs Pay The Most?
- How Can I Get a Software Job With no Experience?
- What Are The Most Commonly Searched Types of Software Developer Jobs?
- What Are Popular Job Titles Related to Software Developer Jobs?
- What Job Categories do People Searching Software Developer Jobs Look For?
- What Cities Are Hiring For Software Developer Jobs?
- What States Have The Most Software Developer Jobs?
- Best Companies For Software Engineers
- Software Developer Salary in US
- Software Developer Qualifications
- Software Developer Jobs in USA For Indian
- Software Developer Job Description
- Where Are The Most Software Developer Jobs?
- Are Software Engineers Rich in USA?
- Is Software Developer in Demand?
- Which City is Best For Software Jobs in USA?
- What Are The Best States For IT Jobs?
- Highest Paying Software Engineering Jobs
- Best Companies For Entry Level Software Engineers
- Highest Salary of Software Engineer in The World
- Highest Paid Software Engineer Skills
- Software Developer Jobs in USA For Freshers
- Software Jobs in USA Salary
- Software Developer Salary Entry Level
- Top 5 Highest Paying Software Jobs
- 5 Best Tech Jobs
- Positions in Software Development
What do Software Developers do?
Software developers are the creative, brainstorming masterminds behind computer programs of all sorts. While some software developers may focus on a specific program or app, others create giant networks or underlying systems that help trigger and power other programs.
Read Also: Remote Silicon Valley Software Jobs
This is why there are two main classifications of developers: applications software developers and systems software developers.
What do applications software developers do?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), developers in this sector are responsible for designing computer or mobile applications. The nature of their work is largely focused on creating for consumers. This involves understanding user needs, developing software solutions, monitoring performance and modifying programs as needed.
What do systems software developers do?
These professionals are focused on operating systems-level software, compilers and network distribution software, as outlined by the DOL. This role is geared more toward designing solutions for enterprise organizations. This includes developing software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific and general computing applications.
Much of the actual creation of software programs happens through the writing of code, and software developers oversee that. Depending on the company where they work, a software developer will analyze the needs of the user and then create, test and develop software that will solve a problem, provide entertainment or simply make life easier for its intended audience.
After mapping out the design, creating flowcharts and drafting out each step of the process, developers will build diagrams and models to instruct programmers how to write the code for the program.
Other job duties include mapping out the software to have on record for future upgrades and enhancements, testing the software, and collaborating with other computer specialists to make sure the software is top notch and functioning properly.
Top 10 Best US Software Developers Jobs
Here are top 10 of the best software jobs, including salary expectations, job responsibilities and education requirements:
1. System engineer
National average salary: $102,102 per year
Primary duties: A system engineer works for IT firms or corporations to install software programs or networks and databases. They also need to be able to help maintain the system and make repairs to ensure security measures work. To become a system engineer, you need to have at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related area.
2. IT security specialist
National average salary: $106,143 per year
Primary duties: IT security specialists are responsible for working with corporations to develop guidelines for cybersecurity within the company’s software programs and communication channels.
To do this, they review the company’s current cybersecurity standards and review the IT department’s procedures. IT security specialist candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity or another related area.
3. Software engineer
National average salary: $109,907 per year
Primary duties: A software engineer uses their knowledge of coding and applications to create software for companies and individuals. Typically, they create software programs, mobile applications and communication channels or content management systems (CMS) that are specific to a company and its needs.
Software engineers should have great communication skills to work with clients to establish their needs. To become a software engineer, you need to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering or Development, Information Technology or Computer Programming.
4. Full stack developer
National average salary: $113,011 per year
Primary duties: Full-stack developers use their knowledge of front-and back-end development to create back-end coding and visual designs for websites. They may also be responsible for creating mobile applications for the websites they create.
Full-stack developers need a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Development or Computer Programming. They should also have advanced knowledge in a variety of coding languages including Python, JavaScript and CSS.
5. Cloud engineer
National average salary: $120,297 per year
Primary duties: A cloud engineer is responsible for helping a corporation move their IT methods to a cloud format. This is to ensure they don’t lose important company information. Cloud engineers work to ensure that a company’s cloud management system stays secure and updated so it backs up information consistently.
To become a cloud engineer, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in an area like information technology, computer science or cybersecurity. You should also earn three to five years of work experience in IT to be eligible for a position.
6. Data scientist
National average salary: $121,608 per year
Primary duties: Data scientists work for corporations to help them establish a software system or network from which to gather important data about company financials, sales or marketing techniques.
This allows business owners to weigh the success of a campaign or compare quarterly sales. Data scientists should have a bachelor’s degree in an area related to computer scientist and preferably a master’s degree in a similar area.
7. Mobile developer
National average salary: $125,186 per year
Primary duties: Mobile developers are responsible for designing mobile applications. They may be required to restructure company websites to fit a mobile format or create an app for a video game. They can work specifically for corporations or as sole-proprietors enlisting their services to others.
To become a mobile developer, you should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Programming, Information Systems Management or a related area. You should also have previous work experience in the IT industry.
8. Development operations engineer
National average salary: $127,591 per year
Primary duties: Development operations engineers work within corporations or IT firms to compile code libraries or databases for each new system/software program created. This allows future employees to refer to the library to identify what certain codes represent, should they need to update the system.
Development operations engineers need a bachelor’s degree in an area like information systems management, computer programming or computer science. They may also benefit from having previously worked as a coder or network administrator.
9. Site reliability engineer
National average salary: $128,537 per year
Primary duties: Site reliability engineers communicate between development operation engineers and software engineers to address potential website errors or confusing messaging that could affect its effectiveness to the user. They use coding libraries from DevOps engineers and the designing capabilities of software engineers to make necessary changes to the website’s makeup.
To become a site reliability engineer, you should have a bachelor’s degree in an area like software development, information systems management or computer programming. In addition, you should also have a few years of experience working as a software developer, system engineer or a related area.
10. Data warehouse architect
National average salary: $134,922 per year
Primary duties: Data warehouse architects work with corporations to create and design data warehouses, which are large storage management systems that allow companies to store data regarding analytics.
They are also responsible for assessing the types of data a company uses to determine what to include in a data warehouse, like employee contact details, files, financial statements or customer complaints.
Data warehouse architects should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Programming, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering or Information Systems.
Software Developer Jobs in United States
A degree in a computer-related field can lead to a variety of well-paying and high-demand jobs. The best tech jobs pay significantly more than the average median wage of $34,750 and have projected growth rates that are faster than the 11% overall rate anticipated for the average U.S. job.
By sorting through data from several sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and jobs website GlassDoor, we compiled the following list of the ten best tech jobs.
1. Data Scientist
- Job outlook through 2020: not available
- Number of new jobs through 2020: not available
- Median annual wage: $118,709
While specific job outlook and new job numbers are not available from the BLS, the Harvard Business Review (HBR) calls data scientists “the sexiest job of the 21st century.” There is a high demand for individuals who can evaluate data to help companies make business decisions; however, there is a relatively low supply of qualified candidates.
According to a Burtch Works report, salaries for level three data scientist managers are as high as $250,000. Burtch Works also notes that most data scientists have either a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. in mathematics/statistics, computer science, or engineering.
2. Software Developer
- Job outlook through 2020: 22%
- Number of new jobs through 2020: 222,600
- Median annual wage: $102,880
By far, the largest number of job openings on the list is for software developers. This growth is fueled by the demand for mobile apps and other products that are driven by technology.
While some software developers design applications, systems software developers design operating systems and interfaces. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or mathematics is usually a requirement.
3. Information Security Analyst
- Job outlook through 2020: 37%
- Number of new jobs through 2020: 27,400
- Median annual wage: $88,890
More than one billion records were breached in 2014, according to Gemalto, an international security company. These breaches illustrate the urgent need for information security analysts. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or programming is the typical requirement, although some employers prefer an MBA in information systems.
4. Computer Systems Analyst
- Job outlook through 2020: 25%
- Number of new jobs through 2020: 127,700
- Median annual wage: $82,710
Computer systems analysts are needed to design and install new computer systems, and IT consulting firms hire most of them. Growth has occurred primarily in the following areas: cloud computing, mobile technology, and healthcare records.
Candidates usually need a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, although the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that sometimes a liberal arts degree is sufficient.
5. Web Developer
- Job outlook through 2020: 20%
- Number of new jobs through 2020: 28,500
- Median annual wage: $63,490
This is one of the few jobs on the list that you can get without a bachelor’s degree. There are three types of web developers; web designers, who create the layout and feel of the website, need an associate degree in web design.
Webmasters, who maintain the website, may have a webmaster certificate, an associate degree in web development, or a bachelor’s degree, depending on the employer. Web architects, who handle the technical construction of the site, usually need a bachelor’s degree in programming or computer science.
6. Sales Engineer
- Job outlook through 2020: 35%
- Number of new jobs through 2020: 5,900 total (specific numbers for technology not available)
- Median annual wage: $96,340
The demand for sales engineers in other industries is only projected to increase by 9%; however, the growth rate is four times as fast for professionals selling computer software and hardware. Most sales engineers have a degree in business, science, or a technology field. They must also be well-versed in technology to present proposals, explain products, and answer questions.
7. Information Technology Manager
- Job outlook through 2020: 15%
- Number of new jobs through 2020: 50,900
- Median annual wage: $127,640
Information technology managers go by a variety of other names; for example, computer and information systems managers, chief information officers (CIOs), chief technology officers (CTOs), IT directors, or IT security managers.
While duties may vary, they usually oversee an IT team and handle the organization’s technology needs. A bachelor’s degree in a computer or information science-related major is required, though some employers prefer an MBA.
8. Computer Research Scientist
- Job outlook through 2020: 15%
- Number of new jobs through 2020: 4,100
- Median annual wage: $108,360
This position has the least number of new jobs, but that’s because it is a difficult field to enter. Computer and Information Research Scientists typically require a Ph.D., and so the candidate pool is small, which keeps the demand for this role high. Among other duties, computer and information research scientists write algorithms to help businesses analyze data.
9. Network and Systems Administrator
- Job outlook through 2020: 12%
- Number of new jobs through 2020: 42,900
- Median annual wage: $75,790
This job has the lowest growth rate on the list, but don’t let that fool you. Companies need network and computer systems administrators to handle their day-to-day technology operations, which include installing and maintaining local and wide area networks, intranets, etc.
The largest area of growth for network administrators will be in computer systems design, which is projected to increase by 35%. Typically, candidates for this role hold a degree in information science, computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering.
10. Computer Support Specialists
- Job outlook through 2020: 17%
- Number of new jobs through 2020: 123,000
- Median annual wage: $47,610
It’s the lowest paying job on the list, but it also requires the least amount of time in school; most employers will hire candidates with a post secondary certificate or an associate degree.There are two types of computer support specialists: computer network support specialists and computer user support specialists.
Computer network support specialists usually work with IT staff to troubleshoot problems. Computer user support specialists, also known as help desk techs, assist customers and non-technical employees.
Why Should I Search on Glassdoor to Find Software Developer Jobs in United States?
More good news for software engineers-some of the most celebrated employers are seeking professionals skilled in these roles. Glassdoor’s Chief Economist Dr. Andrew Chamberlain points out that among the employers honored on Glassdoor list of 2019’s Best Places to Work, software engineer is among the most common roles that these employers are seeking.
Software engineer also hot on Glassdoor’s 50 Best Jobs in America for 2019; the role earns a spot in the coveted top ten.
Steady growth is expected to continue for software engineering roles. The BLS reports: “Employment of applications developers is projected to grow 31 percent, and employment of systems developers is projected to grow 11 percent. The main reason for the growth in both applications developers and systems developers is a large increase in the demand for computer software.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): “Employment of software developers is projected to grow 24 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Software developers will be needed to respond to an increased demand for computer software.”
Software engineers enjoy a hybrid role that blends the technical and the creative. Those who work in this role are also problem solvers who test and implement solutions, communicating the details of those upgrades to their peers across teams.
What Companies Are Hiring For Software Developer Jobs in United States?
A look at which firms hire the most software developers and engineers reads like a who’s-who of financial institutions and defense contractors. Amazon is still the most prolific hirer of technologists, with over 9,000 software developer and engineer job postings filed over the past 12 months, but tons of banks and financial firms hire for tech roles.
IBM is a distant second in hiring software developers, but ranks ever-so-slightly ahead of U.S. Bancorp. JPMorgan is in fourth place, slightly ahead of military contractor Northrop Grumman.
Of the top ten, only two (and the top two) are companies we can point to as dedicated tech firms. Of the remaining eight, three are financial firms, four are defense contractors, and one, Accenture, is a consulting firm.
What this data doesn’t tell us is what those developers and engineers do at these various firms. To get a better understanding of that, we examined the skills companies were looking for, which also projects how in-demand that skill will be over the next two years.
AngularJS and Python have the most positive projected trajectory of any language, with growth estimates for these skills at 26.8 and 24.1 percent, respectively.
The most highly anticipated skill is DevOps, which data suggests will see a 39.9 percent growth amongst hiring companies in the next 24 months.
What is The Best Job in Software Developer?
The most recent software developments in the tech industry have paved the way for some of the highest-paying jobs in software development. From artificial intelligence to information systems administration, the top positions for software developers are fascinating and highly rewarding.
With strong computer science and programming skills, workers in the modern workforce can expect to earn excellent salaries with plenty of potential for advancement. As computer technology continues to improve, the job market will evolve and provide new opportunities for highly skilled professionals.
1. Machine Learning
One of the fastest-growing and highest-paying career fields in software design is machine learning. In this field, designers use artificial intelligence to create programs that learn how to accomplish a stated goal over many iterations of a simulation. Machine learning specialists can expect to earn an average salary of around $117,000.
The typical job in this industry requires at least a master’s degree in advanced computer science. The return on the investment in education is quite good, and machine learning scientists should easily be able to pay off their student loans in two to three years of full-time employment.
2. Data Science
Data science is a subfield of computer science that uses machine learning, statistics and mathematics to analyze large sets of data for trends and information about human behavior, population health, climate, markets and other complex systems.
Advanced artificial intelligence software is used to analyze data sets that are too vast and complex for anyone to analyze without the aid of a computer.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of data science is expected to grow by 19 percent over the next 10 years, which is much faster than average. Data scientists earn around $114,000 per year, on average, with the highest-earning 10 percent taking home about $176,000.
3. Quality Assurance
Some of the highest-paid software engineers work in quality assurance as unit testers and debuggers. Large software projects require teams of full-time engineers to work continuously on them for years and even decades.
Programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office, for example, have been constantly updated since their creation in the 1980s. Software testing is an important part of the process of updating these applications and ensuring that users have a consistent experience. A quality assurance specialist can earn around $103,000 per year, on average.
4. Application Development
Most computer science students know what application developers do. Application design is one of the most common and well-paid career choices in the field. Developers design software programs using design patterns and detailed diagrams before sending the plans to their colleagues to be implemented in code.
On large teams, these jobs are specialized and separated into different groups while smaller teams may handle all steps in the process from start to finish. Application developers earn a median annual salary of $103,000.
5. Systems Administration
Systems administrators have a special set of skills that makes them qualified to design, install and maintain information systems for companies in a wide range of industries.
Systems administration is a business-related field that requires computer science and software design skills as well as business management training. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient to obtain most jobs available in this field. Systems administrators can expect to earn around $94,000 per year, on average.
The software developments being made in the tech sector are opening the door for new types of jobs in computer programming and application design. The careers in this field tend to be high-paying, so it’s rewarding to pursue jobs in software development.
How do I Get a Developer Job in USA?
If you’re not already in the U.S., and legally authorized to work (either by being a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident) it’s going to be very difficult. Work visas are only granted to U.S. companies for the purpose of importing foreign nationals to fill positions that cannot be filled by Americans.
So, you will need to get a U.S. company to hire you. There are several Indian companies with U.S. subsidiaries that place temporary software developers in jobs with major U.S. corporations on a contract basis.
If you are in India you should apply to those contract companies and see if your education and skills match what their clients are looking for. You must have at least an appropriate bachelor’s degree, typically in Engineering or Computer Science, to qualify under U.S. law.
The other way to do it would be to attend a U.S. university and complete a master’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science. Once you have completed the degree you become eligible to apply through the university for what is called “optional practical training” (OPT).
OPT allows you a couple of years of work in an American company, theoretically for you to practice what you have learned in school. Once you are in an OPT status, you can try to convince the company that has hired you to sponsor you for an H-1B visa, good for up to six years of temporary work in the U.S.
This is not an easy or inexpensive path, however. Tuition for master’s degree can cost as much as US$200,000, and you will have to show that you also have the funds to cover your living expenses while in the country before they will grant you a visa.
Can You Make 300k as a Software Engineer?
The only way to make that kind of money is to get into senior level management and to get up to that level, you need to obviously be extremely focused, dedicated, pay your dues, get noticed, climb up the ranks, and hope that people above you retire or quit in order for you to get those opportunities because they are few and extremely tough and competitive to get.
If/once you get in, you will be working harder than you ever worked before because you will have people reporting into you and you will also be reporting up to someone else. In order words, you will have more responsibility and stress than you could ever imagine to go along with that 300k/year salary!
Become a Senior Software Engineer or higher at a top tech company. The list includes:
- Amazon
- Airbnb
- Netflix
- Uber
- … and a number of others
Once you’re in, exceed expectations for 4–8 years and that should be enough to get you to that level. If you have amassed that experience elsewhere, you might be directly hired in at that level, or close enough that one promotion gets you there.
It sounds straightforward, but in practice only about 1% of software engineers in America get there.
Where do Software Developers Get Paid The Most?
According to Indeed, the USA is the best-paying country for software engineers with the average software engineer salary in 2021 reaching $110,638. This means that the US software engineer salary per month is $9,219.
Junior developers in the USA are paid $103,382 a year, while senior engineers with 6-9 years of experience earn $121,488. The highest paid software engineer city in the USA is San Francisco.
| Country | Software Developer Salary |
| The USA | $110,638 |
| Switzerland | $95,394 |
| New Zealand | $46,229 |
| Norway | $64,202 |
| Denmark | $72,151 |
| United Kingdom | $42,394 |
| Sweden | $51,396 |
| Germany | $60,162 |
| Netherlands | $54,025 |
| Finland | $49,203 |
| Australia | $53,669 |
| France | $46,508 |
Do Software Engineers Make 500k?
Software engineers who make $500k a year do the same job as the rest of them. They just do it a bit more broadly, or a bit more deeply. They have experience that puts them at a premium.
Here are some examples of positions held by software engineers who make or have made $500k or more a year. Distinguished engineer, principal engineer, director of engineering, vice president, software architect, software engineering manager, software engineer. In other words, all along the spectrum of software engineering.
Here’s what got them paid so highly.
- Desirability. Everyone loves a successful engineer. If you’re successful at company A and people know who you are, company B will pay more to hire you away, as will company C, and so on. One senior software engineer tripled their already high compensation in a few years by moving to a succession of companies willing to pay more.
- Breadth of Influence. Whatever their role, the highly paid engineers influence hundreds or thousands of people within their company, and potentially millions outside. They set strategies through influence and suggestion, and help guide entire organizations towards doing good things, all without having direct power or responsibility to do so. They pursue many threads in many places simultaneously, many of which bear fruit.
- Depth of Experience. The person who invented That Protocol. The one who has been in this now thousand-person group since it was just five people. The one who knows where all the bodies are buried because they helped bury them. It’s not just the knowledge, it’s the daily application of that knowledge to a variety of places in the product to keep it moving true, avoiding potholes, and competitive in the market.
- Personal presence. They are usually excellent communicators and motivators with authoritative presence. They’re used to being listened to, used to being right, and unafraid to ask or answer unpleasant questions. Most are good writers, meticulous in terms of understanding design details, and incredibly intelligent. You can almost feel it when they bend their will towards something.
- Danger upon departure. Some companies pay some of their very senior engineers lavishly even when they don’t produce. This isn’t so much because of what they’re delivering as what they could deliver if they worked at a competitor. It’s safer to keep them on the payroll and complacent.
Which IT Jobs Pay The Most?
BusinessInsider.com lists the following 10 high-paying IT jobs, with salaries ranging between $130,000 and $164,000:
- Information security engineer — $131,300
- DevOps engineer — $137,400
- Enterprise architect — $144,400
- Technical program manager — $145,000
- Software architect — $145,400
- Applications architect — $149,000
- Infrastructure architect — $153,000
- Software development manager — $153,300
- Data warehouse architect — $154,800
- Software engineering manager — $163,500
And don’t forget “big data.” Now that businesses have fingertip access to infinitely more data than ever before, they are investing in people with the skills to develop systems that transform that data into “actionable information for strategy-setting, decision-making and innovation,” according to global human resource consulting firm Robert Half, which reports the median salary for big data engineers is $155,500.
How Can I Get a Software Job With no Experience?
Although, work experience whether it be an internship, full-time job, etc. matters in landing up a developer job but things like appropriate skillset, hard work, consistency, and various others always come first.
There are a lot of people who despite having zero professional experience in the software development field get noticed by the tech giants and get hired as well as based on their skills and dedication.
1. Get Proficient with Programming Language
Needless to say, a Programming Language is a must required skill to become a Software Developer. Not a single company would like to entertain or hire a software developer who doesn’t know coding or programming!
Hence, if you’re looking out to build your in career or to switch your career in the software development domain without any prior experience, you need to get proficient with at least one programming language. There are various popular and worthwhile programming languages such as Python, Java, Swift, etc.
You can select one (or more) from these languages and can start to learn from basic to the advanced level. There are several platforms such as GeeksforGeeks, etc. available over the web where you can command over any programming languages and you can use various other resources like videos, books, webinars, etc. to make it more effective.
2. Learn Data Structures and Algorithms
Data Structure and Algorithms can be considered as the core of software development. Almost every big tech company like Google, Amazon, Uber, etc. assess and evaluate the candidate based on his understanding of Data structure and algorithm concepts. So, you are required to be more concerned about Data Structures and Algorithm to land up a well-paying software developer job.
You can start to learn the Data Structures concepts from basic topics like Array, Queue, etc to the Advanced Data Structure concepts. You are strongly recommended to prefer GeeksforGeeks to learn Data Structure and Algorithms as there are numerous tutorials and online courses (both free and paid) available that cover almost every topic as per the industry requirements.
Meanwhile, getting expertise in Data Structure and Algorithms will not only enhance your knowledge in the domain but you can get a few striking career opportunities even in the starting phase of your career.
3. Build Projects
Regardless of your work experience, companies always expected from you to showcase your skills during recruitment – and here comes the role of projects! If you’re having a solid portfolio of projects built by you, you may get a preference over others ( even over experienced ones) for the job opportunity.
Indeed, project development is crucial as you must know to implement all the knowledge you’ve gained about programming like programming languages, algorithms, databases, etc. and it not only validates your programming skills but also enhance your confidence level to succeed.
Meanwhile, you can use platforms like Github, Bitbucket, etc to put your projects online and also, try to build a few quality projects instead of focusing on numbers. Additionally, reconsider your projects thoroughly before going out for interviews as you’ll be asked many questions regarding the same.
4. Participate in Coding Challenges
Coding challenges and competition is one of the best ways to get exposure to computer programming and analyze your skills. And not only this, your participation and rankings in these programming contests can land you up a software developer job also in your dream company.
There are various renowned coding challenges platforms such as HackerRank, TopCoder, CodeChef, etc. where you can participate in numerous contests regularly hold by them. These platforms award you with various badges and certifications that you can show to the interview panel to let them know about your skills.
Moreover, you also develop the skills of critical thinking and logic building through these programming challenges that help you to become a proficient programmer which further can get you hired by the big IT companies.
5. Reach Out to the Professionals
Last but not least, you are required to reach out to the professionals to get a worthwhile opportunity. Yes, despite having all the required skills, you can’t expect to get a job in your dream company while sitting idle at your home. You must need to connect with the industry people to get the green flag.
You can directly email to the company’s officials, connect with them on networking platforms like LinkedIn, Meetup, etc. and visit the company’s website to look out for new opportunities as well.
You need to understand that you have to take a step ahead to grab the opportunities to build a successful career. Moreover, you can attend various worthwhile events such as seminars, meetups, conferences, etc. to grow your professional network and make the most out of it with your career perspectives.
These are the several major strategies that you need to follow to get a Software Developer Job without having experience. Although there are several additional tips also regarding the same that can be considered.
- Create an Effective Resume and Cover Letter.
- Build a strong online presence.
- Do Research about the target company.
- Work on Soft Skills (Communication, Time Management, etc.) as well, etc.
Indeed, to get a Software Developer job that too without any experience is quite tough but not impossible. So, just follow the right path, work on your skills, and break into the field of software development
What Are The Most Commonly Searched Types of Software Developer Jobs?
The software job titles you use in recruiting makes a huge difference. Did you know that candidates search for “Android Developer” 120 times as often as “Android Engineer”?
The Top 50 Software Job Titles
| Rank | Job Title | Search Volume (Monthly) | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Web Developer | 14,000 | 12.37% |
| 2 | Software Engineer | 12,000 | 10.61% |
| 3 | Software Developer | 7,600 | 6.72% |
| 4 | Front End Developer | 5,600 | 4.95% |
| 5 | Network Engineer | 5,500 | 4.86% |
| 6 | Entry Level Software Developer | 4,900 | 4.33% |
| 7 | Java Developer | 3,800 | 3.36% |
| 8 | Entry Level Software Engineer | 3,500 | 3.09% |
| 9 | IOS Developer | 3,100 | 2.74% |
| 10 | Junior Web Developer | 3,000 | 2.65% |
| 11 | SQL Developer | 2,800 | 2.47% |
| 12 | Junior Developer | 2,700 | 2.39% |
| 13 | Entry Level Web Developer | 2,500 | 2.21% |
| 14 | Android Developer | 2,400 | 2.12% |
| 15 | Salesforce Developer | 2,300 | 2.03% |
| 16 | .NET Developer | 2,200 | 1.94% |
| 17 | Python Developer | 2,100 | 1.86% |
| 18 | Game Developer | 2,000 | 1.77% |
| 19 | Programmer | 1,900 | 1.68% |
| 20 | Data Engineer | 1,800 | 1.59% |
| 21 | Front End Web Developer | 1,700 | 1.50% |
| 21 | Developer | 1,700 | 1.50% |
| 23 | Entry Level Developer | 1,600 | 1.41% |
| 23 | Computer Programmer | 1,600 | 1.41% |
| 23 | Full Stack Developer | 1,600 | 1.41% |
| 26 | Mulesoft Developer | 1,500 | 1.33% |
| 27 | Junior Software Developer | 1,400 | 1.24% |
| 28 | Unity Developer | 1,300 | 1.15% |
| 28 | Machine Learning Engineer | 1,300 | 1.15% |
| 30 | Junior Front End Developer | 1,100 | 0.97% |
| 30 | New Grad Software Engineer | 1,100 | 0.97% |
| 32 | React Developer | 1,000 | 0.88% |
| 32 | CNC Programmer | 1,000 | 0.88% |
| 34 | Sharepoint Developer | 700 | 0.62% |
| 34 | AWS Solutions Architect | 700 | 0.62% |
| 36 | Jr Developer | 600 | 0.53% |
| 36 | UI Developer | 600 | 0.53% |
| 36 | Wordpress Developer | 600 | 0.53% |
| 36 | PHP Developer | 600 | 0.53% |
| 36 | Blockchain Developer | 600 | 0.53% |
| 41 | JavaScript Developer | 500 | 0.44% |
| 41 | QA Engineer | 500 | 0.44% |
| 43 | Robotics Engineer | 450 | 0.40% |
| 43 | Junior Software Engineer | 450 | 0.40% |
| 45 | Coder | 400 | 0.35% |
| 46 | Entry Level Network Engineer | 350 | 0.31% |
| 46 | Oracle Developer | 350 | 0.31% |
| 46 | C# Developer | 350 | 0.31% |
| 49 | Junior IOS Developer | 300 | 0.27% |
| 49 | Embedded Software Engineer | 300 | 0.27% |
| 49 | Programmer Analyst | 300 | 0.27% |
| 49 | Oracle SQL Developer | 300 | 0.27% |
| 49 | Application Security Engineer | 300 | 0.27% |
| 49 | Entry Level Programmer | 300 | 0.27% |
| 50 | Director of Engineering | 250 | 0.25% |
What Are Popular Job Titles Related to Software Developer Jobs?
Software development is a rapidly growing field. It’s important to keep up with new terms and use the appropriate title for the position that you’re hiring for. If your company is in need of software development talent, this list will also help you anticipate demand for different types of jobs.
1. Software Engineer (868,030 monthly clicks)
What they do
Software engineers are primarily in charge of system design. They analyze the budget and requirements of the customer and apply the principles of software engineering to come up with the design, development, testing, and maintenance of the software or application.
Software engineers are often confused with programmers but the two may differ in roles. The former focuses on the design of the software, while the latter writes the code that runs the software.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal candidate must have previous experience with database management tools and working in a development environment. They should be proficient in a programming language, such as Java, Python, PHP, or JavaScript, which will vary from company to company.
In addition, the person must be capable of hands-on learning, debugging, and coding optimization. The software engineer should be able to analyze software requirements and user needs to determine the feasibility of design with the given timeframe and costs.
2. Developer (601,927 monthly clicks)
What they do
Also known as a software developer, programmer, software coder, or software engineer, a developer plays a key role in designing, installing, testing, and maintaining all software applications. A developer is well-versed in at least one programming language and is proficient in structuring and writing code for a software or program.
This person also writes, debugs, and executes the source code of a software application. This person works closely with a project manager or designer to ensure that the final product adheres to the budget, scope, and design.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The candidate must have top-notch programming skills and in-depth knowledge of a programming language, such as HTML/CSS, Java, JSP, PHP, ASP.NET, MVC, AJAX and JavaScript. In addition, the person must have experience in automated testing of complex software and a strong understanding of unit testing, integration testing, and system testing concepts, tools, and best practices.
Lastly, the developer must possess strong communication, analytical, organizational, prioritization, and problem solving skills with an eye for detail and identifying problems in a fast-paced environment.
3. Front End Developer (564,283 monthly clicks)
What they do
The front end developer is in charge of managing the complex details of the front end side of the project that requires analyzing the design requirements as well as recommending technical solutions to make the project scalable, maintainable, and efficient.
They debug websites and fix mistakes in the code to make sure that they are error-free for network administrators and the end users. Front end developers have working knowledge of several programming languages and they can adapt to new software versions to bring the designer’s concept to life.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The candidate must have experience in creating high quality and user-friendly web pages using different frontend languages, such as modern HTML/CSS, PHP, ASP.NET, MVC, AJAX and JavaScript.
On top of that, the front end developer must have in-depth knowledge and expertise with the latest web development techniques. Also, the person must be able to work in a fast-paced and agile development environment.
What they do
Software product managers are in charge of managing the development of software products and communicating with the relevant internal and external parties. They act as a conduit among the development team, operations team, and end users.
They also work with the marketing team to accurately and effectively present software features and business plans to current and prospective customers to make sure that the software product meets their needs.
Moreover, they listen to feedbacks and gather user input to prioritize software requirements, review correct implementation, help with training tasks, and attend industry meetings to stay on top of the current trends and to adapt to newer technologies.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
Ideal software managers must have solid background in understanding and handling software development and web technologies. They should also be great at written and verbal communication in a variety of different situations, from pitching the changes in the roadmap to digging into a feature with the engineering team.
In addition, they must demonstrate the ability to develop products and marketing strategies and effectively communicate the recommendations to executive management.
5. .NET Developer (432,872 monthly clicks)
What they do
A .NET developer writes and modifies codes to generate web pages and access databases and business logo servers. They operate within the .NET environment using .NET languages such as C# or VB.NET and .NET stacks like WinForms, ASP.NET, WPF, etc. They also test and document software for websites and work with designers and content producers.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal candidate must have experience working in the .NET framework and should be proficient in one or both .NET languages. In addition, the person should be able to revise, update, refactor, and debug code to test and deploy applications and systems.
Also, the .NET developer must be adaptable and possess the skills to respond to a dynamic and customer-driven software development environment.
6. Java Developer (420,127 monthly clicks)
What they do
Java Developers create complex web-based applications such as animated drop-down menus, images that change as a mouse moves around them, and sounds that play when clicked. They write code themselves or revise existing Java applications and test programs to verify if they work correctly.
They often mentor and provide technical guidance and instructions to lower-level IT staff. Java developers also resolve technical problems through debugging, research, and investigation.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The candidate should have strong knowledge and experience with Spring, SpringBatch, Struts, Hibernate, XML, JSP, databases, SQL, ORM, Java, JSF, Wicket, Spring MVC, and other applications using the Java EE platforms.
In addition, this person should also have strong working knowledge of different web concepts and must be proficient in coding standards, agile methodology, and test-driven development.
The Java developer must be a high-energy individual who is capable of keeping abreast of rapidly advancing web technology and taking the initiative in leveraging and marketing this technology for in-house implementation.
7. Web Developer (399,717 monthly clicks)
What they do
Web developers build the backbone of websites. They are responsible for designing, coding, and modifying websites, from the layout to the function in accordance with the client’s specifications.
Web developers have regular exposure to business stakeholders and management-level employees. Since they need to build websites from the ground up, they need to pay attention to details and meet tight deadlines.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The candidate should have deep expertise and hands-on experience with web applications like REST and SOAP, as well as in programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, and APIs.
The person should also have high standards for quality, the passion to innovate, and self-motivation to grow. The web developer should also have experience with browser debugging tools and should possess strong organizational and reporting skills.
8. Quality Assurance Engineer (389,637 monthly clicks)
What they do
A quality assurance engineer (also called a test engineer) creates tests to find any problem with the software before the product is launched. The person identifies and analyzes bugs found during testing and documents them. The quality assurance engineer also collaborates with the software developer to find a fix and patch the program.
They also liaise with the internal team to identify any system requirements. This person is also responsible for monitoring debugging process results, recommending process improvement, and tracking quality assurance metrics.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The candidate should have strong knowledge of software QA methodologies, tools, and processes and hands-on experience with automated testing tools. The person should also have solid knowledge of SQL, scripting, and software development.
In addition, the quality assurance engineer should have experience in generating test data and preparing weekly status reports, execution status reports, defect reports, and test estimations.
9. Software Developer (356,735 monthly clicks)
What they do
Software developer is another term for developer. Both perform the same functions like development of computer applications that allow users to perform specific tasks on computers and other devices.
Software developers can also develop or customize existing systems that run devices or control networks. They work closely with analysts, designers, and IT staff. They may also test the product before it goes live.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The candidate should have strong knowledge and familiarity with various computer languages such as C++, Python, Java, PHP, XML, HTML/JavaScript/CSS, and Unix Shell Scripting.
The developer must also be familiar with various operating systems, such as Linux, Solaris, HPUX, BSD, Mac OS X, and Windows as well as databases like Oracle (PL/SQL) and MySQL. The person should have high level of expertise and experience in systems design, programming, programming standards, documentation, systems integration, and coding.
10. Application Developer (333,445 monthly clicks)
What they do
Application developers help companies keep up with the latest technologies and developments on the web. They create, develop, manage, and maintain new programs and software that can be used on smartphones, computers, tablets, and more.
Application developers work closely with computer analysts, engineers, and IT professionals to set specifications for new applications. They write high-quality source code to program complete applications and conduct functional and nonfunctional testing before launching.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The candidate must have the ability to program using different programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, and API’s. In addition, the person should have experience with code optimization, performance analysis, and developing implementation plans for solution deliverables.
The application developer should be creative in inventing new ways of approaching problems and developing innovative applications.
What Job Categories do People Searching Software Developer Jobs Look For?
Because software engineers and software developers rely heavily on one another to function, they are often positioned together on the job market. Some major tech companies refer to both paths formally as software engineers, while others make the distinction between the two.
For this reason, you may find both titles listed below as we take a look at some of the most common careers in the world of software engineering.
1. Video game designer
National average salary: $54,223 per year
Primary duties: A video game designer, also called a game developer, has specialized knowledge in designing and implementing gaming systems that are both engaging and interactive.
They use creative skills like storytelling and world-building to program complete environments in which a game can take place. From setting to props to characters, game developers code all the factors that create the gameplay experience for a user.
Skills: DirectX, OpenGL, Unity 3D, WebGL, C, C++, Java, Swift, JavaScript, HTML5
2. Quality assurance engineer
National average salary: $81,961 per year
Primary duties: A QA engineer, also referred to as a “software engineer,” tests, reviews, assesses and writes software to validate the quality of an application. These individuals create automated tests, tools and methods to make sure systems are running as expected, catching errors and working to account for their solutions.
Skills: Python, Ruby, Selenium WebDriver
3. CRM project manager
National average salary: $89,314 per year**
Primary duties: A customer relationship management ( CRM) project manager or developer works with systems that collect user and consumer data, creating programs that gather useful metrics for adjusting the needs of a given program. They may be tasked with improving customer satisfaction or sales by optimizing the tools used by customer support and sales representatives.
Skills: SAP, Salesforce, SharePoint, Enterprise resource planning
4. Software integration engineer
National average salary: $108,182 per year
Primary duties: In the modern era of smart devices and the internet of things, software integration engineers (also referred to as embedded systems developers) use coding languages to program hardware like consumer devices, home security alert systems, electronics, interfaces, real-time systems and serial data transmissions.
Skills: C, C++, Assembly, Java, proprietary technologies/frameworks/toolkits
5. Security engineer
National average salary: $109,778 per year
Primary duties: Security engineers, often referred to as “white hat” or “ethical” hackers, work to create systems, methods and procedures that test the security of a given software. Their main goal is to exploit security flaws and discover vulnerabilities to fix them before the systems reach the end-user to provide an optimal experience.
Skills: Python, Ruby, C, C++, reverse engineering
6. Front-end engineer
National average salary: $109,915 per year
Primary duties: A front-end engineer, sometimes referred to as a web developer, specializes in the development of user interface ( UI) design for the user-facing side of an application or website. This involves visual design elements, including layout and aesthetics, and a thorough understanding of how people interact with and use computer programs.
They also need to know code that runs on different operating systems, browsers and user devices to ensure cross-browser compatibility. They also focus heavily on optimizing visual presentation using principles of user experience (UX) design.
Skills: UX and UI frameworks, CSS, JavaScript, HTML
7. Full-stack engineer
National average salary: $111,425 per year
Primary duties: A software engineer who is fluent in front-end and back-end skills and responsibilities is referred to as a full-stack engineer. These individuals possess all the skills necessary to create a fully functional web app, from the front-facing user experience to the complex systems behind it.
Skills: UX and UI frameworks, CSS, JavaScript, HTML, Java, C, C++, Ruby, Perl, Python, Scala, Go, Kubernetes, Docker, Apache Mesos, Jenkins, HashiCorp stack (Terraform, Vault, Consul, Nomad)
8. 3D Graphics Developer
National average salary: $116,683 per year
Primary duties: A 3D graphics developer uses specialized knowledge to create software for rendering, lighting, shadowing, shading and management of scenes. They work closely with game developers to code graphic assets for both the gaming and video production industry. Their skills are also useful in front-end development, creating visually engaging and intuitive user interfaces.
Skills: DirectX, OpenGL, Unity 3D, WebGL, C, C++, Assembly
9. Data scientist
National average salary: $123,060 per year
Primary duties: A data scientist, or data engineer, develops software programs that analyze information. This often puts them in charge of statistical analysis, machine learning, data visualization and predictive modeling, providing an organization with metrics that can help determine how a product will grow to fit the needs of the business.
Skills: SQL, R, Python
10. Mobile developer
National average salary: $123,264 per year**
Primary duties: Mobile developers write code for applications specifically designed to run on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
Skills: iOS and Android operating systems, Java, Swift, Objective-C
What Cities Are Hiring For Software Developer Jobs?
Here is a list of 10 the best cities for software engineers as determined by a state’s average salary for this profession, its location quotient and some of its top-rated companies:
1. Dallas, Texas
Average salary: $102,352 per year
Location quotient: 1.19
Top-rated companies: Goldman Sachs, BayInfotech, Southwest Airlines
Despite being known for its cultural activities, Dallas has become a business hub over the years. With a population of 1.341 million, this modern metropolis is home to several technology businesses and headquarters. The influx of software opportunities has given rise to the city’s recent technology boom.
2. Atlanta, Georgia
Average salary: $106,522 per year
Location quotient: 1.47
Top-rated companies: VMware, Turner, Accenture
Not only is this southern city home to many top educational institutes, but it’s also evolved into one of the best places to start or advance your career as a software engineer. This is because Atlanta has had a recent rise in technology companies, creating an information technology cluster in the nation.
3. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Average salary: $108,253 per year
Location quotient: 2.85
Top-rated companies: Boecore, Lockheed Martin, Boeing
Just 70.5 miles away from Denver, Colorado Springs is home to many large employers such as Oracle and Hewlett Packard. The city has a highly-skilled workforce and a building technology environment. Some of its tech contributions include cybersecurity, information technology and high-tech military installation companies.
4. Austin, Texas
Average salary: $111,045 per year
Location quotient: 2.65
Top-rated companies: General Motors, Charles Schwab, Apple
This eclectic city is home to many technology companies such as Home Depot and iHeartMedia. High-tech companies in the area have even earned the nickname “Silicon Hills”, a nod to California’s Silicon Valley. Austin houses a variety of tech companies dealing with biotechnology, video games, startups and more.
5. Denver, Colorado
Average salary: $121,215 per year
Location quotient: 1.75
Top-rated companies: FluentStream, Lockheed Martin, Amazon.com
Though Denver doesn’t boast the highest salary for software engineers throughout the state, when it’s adjusted for cost of living, the average salary for a software engineering profession is rather lucrative. Denver, Colorado, is home to many information technology companies and the city itself has reasonable prices for an array of expenses including housing, groceries and transportation.
6. Boston, Massachusetts
Average salary: $126,090 per year
Location quotient: 3.22
Top-rated companies: Boston Children’s Hospital, Bose, Fidelity Investments
The city of Boston boasts talent, momentum, affordability and many opportunities for software engineers. This has helped it become one of the top tech hubs in the U.S. Much of its inhabitants have college degrees in related fields such as mathematics and science, creating more opportunities for the city to train top talent for the software engineering profession.
7. Seattle, Washington
Average salary: $128,889 per year
Location quotient: 2.67
Top-rated companies: Starbucks, Nordstrom, The Walt Disney Company
Despite not always being known as a tech hub, this rainy city now boasts several advantages for software engineers. Not only does it provide several employment opportunities for this profession, but it also has a reasonable cost of living and a stable tech environment that’s non-reliant on startups.
Also, it’s home to large tech corporations, retail giants and e-commerce companies, creating a diverse portfolio for its bustling technology sector.
8. New York, New York
Average salary: $140,085 per year
Location quotient: 0.76
Top-rated companies: Capital One, Mastercard, Google
New York City provides you with ample opportunities to grow in the software field in a fast-paced environment. The Empire State is a leader in the tech industry thanks to its tech companies, startups and its contribution to the nation’s economy overall.
Also, it encourages diversity and has many educational institutions that offer a computer science education which helps it attain top talent for this field.
9. San Jose, California
Average salary: $147,113 per year
Location quotient: 9.03
Top-rated companies: Cisco, Qualcomm, Brocade
San Jose is home to a plethora of tech jobs, providing you with several opportunities to expand your skillset and gain valuable experience. Though the city’s location quotient is higher than others on this list, San Jose boasts a large salary for software engineers compared to other U.S. cities.
It’s important to keep in mind that even with its higher average salary, the cost of living in San Jose is high compared to many cities across the U.S. If that isn’t a deterrent, this Bay Area location is great to grow in your career as a software engineer.
10. San Francisco, California
Average salary: $154,302 per year
Location quotient: 2.52
Top-rated companies: Salesforce, Twitter, Twitch
Near Silicon Valley, San Francisco is a renowned technology hub in the U.S. Though you can expect a higher salary, the California metropolis’s cost of living is on the steeper end. If you don’t mind the higher price tags in terms of rent and other expenses, the home of the Golden Gate Bridge is a great place to advance in your career as a software engineer.
What States Have The Most Software Developer Jobs?
Across America, over four million developers are busy weaving the fabric of 21st-century life. These coders and programmers are responsible for the virtual architecture that makes our apps, websites, and software world-famous. Every industry needs developers, and there are jobs available in every state.
Top States for Software Developer/Engineer Demand, Past 90 Days
| State | Median Salary ($) | Time to Fill (Days) |
|---|---|---|
| California | $109,000 | 51 |
| Massachusetts | $106,000 | 50 |
| Washington | $105,000 | 45 |
| New York | $104,000 | 51 |
| District of Columbia | $102,000 | 50 |
| New Jersey | $102,000 | 45 |
| Illinois | $101,000 | 49 |
| Virginia | $101,000 | 49 |
| Maryland | $100,000 | 48 |
| Colorado | $99,000 | 46 |
| Texas | $99,000 | 47 |
| Arizona | $98,000 | 47 |
| Georgia | $98,000 | 47 |
| Minnesota | $98,000 | 50 |
| North Carolina | $98,000 | 46 |
| Pennsylvania | $95,000 | 46 |
| Michigan | $93,000 | 46 |
| Missouri | $93,000 | 44 |
| Ohio | $93,000 | 49 |
| Florida | $91,000 | 45 |
Best Companies For Software Engineers
There are many different companies that need software engineers, from big firms to small ones. Software exists that facilitates almost every human need by this point. Uber, Tinder, and any other app are examples of pieces of software that need fine-tuning and upgrading.
That example goes to show that there is a wide-open field of options for a software engineer. However, most recent grads want work experience, usually from the tech titans that pay the best. One such company is Google…
Google is the textbook landing spot for a young, talented software engineer. They are a massive institution in modern life, and the benefits of working there reflect that.
Google hires the best and brightest. Their starting salary for software engineers reflects that as well, at $180,000 annually. A new grad would be hard-pressed to find a better starting salary, regardless of the field they are in.
Google also provides stock options and a sizeable benefits package, which covers all one’s needs and more. Google offers other perquisites like rides to work and a lunch buffet.
Overall, Google is known for its employee-friendly culture and is a coveted landing spot for new grads.
Apple
Apple is another coveted spot for software engineering grads. At the vanguard of culture, Apple has defined the early twenty-first century.
The iPhone is the dominant mobile device, and most other Apple launches have been necessary for tech accessories. They are a tech juggernaut and landing a job at Apple can pave your future career path. Just imagine how it would look on your resume.
A software engineer at Apple can expect a six-figure salary early on, but they may begin with a base salary of 75, 000$.
This does not include benefits. Like Google, Apple treats its employees well. They have incentive-laden contracts and the chance at stock options.
Everyone’s addicted to Facebook. After Google, it may be the most influential name on the internet. It is THE social networking website, and it has grand future ambitions. A software engineer looking for name-brand prestige and exciting future opportunities may apply at Facebook.
Software engineers can expect to earn near six-figures off the hop. However, former employees have more complaints lodged at the company then do of the other big brands.
Former software engineers have complained there is a lack of bonuses given to engineers, that incentives seem to be lacking. Also, former employees complain about a lack of career advancement opportunities. It seems to be a general trend that it’s hard to move up the ladder at the company.
That said, Facebook is still one of the titans of the industry and a software engineering grad can expect a comfortable set up if they are employed by the company.
Amazon
Amazon has a bit of a negative reputation for how it treats its employees. There is a general impression that Amazon’s factory workers are overworked and underserved. Although as a software engineer, you may be treated differently than that class of worker, it’s important to keep in mind that if they are willing to treat one class of employees poorly, it may be a red flag.
That said, Amazon is a whale of a landing spot. Amazon has their arms in all sorts of different pots, expanding its distribution network and diversifying its brand, and even moving into media ventures. Software engineers would be part of one of the fastest-growing brands in the world, headed by the world’s richest man, Jeff Bezos.
Software engineers at Amazon can expect to earn a little over one hundred thousand dollars, somewhere in the $110,000 dollar range. This is a substantial starting salary as compared to some of the other places. Amazon offers vacation time and decent benefits packages to workers as well.
Microsoft
Microsoft is now the oldest prestige company on this list, but they are still among the upper echelon of landing spots. Microsoft is among the titans of the tech industry and is also a prestige landing spot for a fresh software engineering grad looking to make a name for themselves.
Software engineers at Microsoft tend to make roughly $90,000 a year, or just under six-figures. Although benefits and incentives have been described as average, Microsoft is a stalwart choice with a rich history.
Nvidia
Nvidia is a slightly less recognizable company than the other names on this list, but it is among the leaders in the tech industry. Its products and functions are less easy to define to the general public than those of the others but no less important.
Nvidia offers its software engineers a starting salary that is higher than the rest on the list, at $115,000 annually.
The only knock on the company is that it has currently a low demand for software engineers, which means that it can afford to offer its employees less in the way of benefits and opportunities for career advancement.
Netflix
Like Facebook, Netflix invented its own market segment, offering the world’s first name brand streaming service and from that, they have grown and diversified. Netflix now produces a dizzying array of original content whose popularity only rivals HBO. Along with Amazon, Netflix’s future potential is vast.
Netflix also offers a significantly higher salary to software engineers, who can expect a starting salary of $150,000. This is quite a hike from the average salary.
Netflix may not be someone’s first thought as a potential destination, but its vast growth potential and generous starting salary make it one of the best sleeper options for software engineers beginning their careers.
Software Developer Salary in US
Software Developers made a median salary of $107,510 in 2019. The best-paid 25 percent made $136,320 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $82,430.
The states and districts that pay Software Developers the highest mean salary are California ($134,370), Washington ($131,870), New York ($119,570), District of Columbia ($118,580), and Maryland ($116,080).California $134,370 Washington $131,870 New York $119,570 District of Columbia $118,580 Maryland $116,080.
Software Developer Qualifications
You will normally need a HND, foundation degree, or degree to become a software developer. You could choose to study a variety of subjects, including:
- computer science
- information technology
- software development
- software engineering
- mathematics
- business information systems
If you don’t have an IT-related degree, you may still be able to find a place on a graduate trainee scheme. Many larger employers accept graduates with other subjects, providing they can show enthusiasm for the field and have some understanding of the development process.
To do a degree, you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) including maths, English and science, plus three A levels or an equivalent level 3 qualification. You should check with universities for exact entry requirements as vocational courses are acceptable for some degree courses but not all.
Relevant A levels include maths, physics and computing.
Vocational route: a level 3 qualification in computer science would be most relevant. Entry may be possible without five GCSEs at grade C, with an equivalent level 2 qualification such as BTEC level 2 computer science.
Software Developer Jobs in USA For Indian
The major hurdle U.S. companies face in hiring directly from say India is ensuring the candidate is legally allowed to work in the U.S. On completion of a studies in the U.S. (Masters/PhD. etc.) your F-1 status shall entitle you for an OPT that gives the employer to have you join right away post completion of your degree and apply for your H1-B.
If you are fortunate in the H1-B lottery (increased chances if you completed your studies in the U.S.) you are now aboard and on the (long) path to obtaining the G.C.
If you are an independent software engineer based in India, U.S. based employer would need to first apply for your H1-B (in April), have the H1-B approved, and wait for 6 months (Oct) till you are finally able to join in the U.S. Employers typically don’t go through this hassle as their needs are somewhat met from the pool of students in the U.S, who are eligible to start working post completion of their degree.
There are a few alternatives.
a) Work up through the ladder with your current employer and be transferred on L-1 (managerial position) to the U.S.
b) Hiring event organized by a U.S. employer
Software Developer Job Description
To be successful in this role, you will need extensive knowledge of programming languages and the software development life-cycle. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or related degree is required.
- Modifying software to fix errors, adapt it to new hardware, improve its performance, or upgrade interfaces.
- Directing system testing and validation procedures.
- Directing software programming and documentation development.
- Consulting with departments or customers on project status and proposals.
- Working with customers or departments on technical issues including software system design and maintenance.
- Analyzing information to recommend and plan the installation of new systems or modifications of an existing system.
- Consulting with engineering staff to evaluate software-hardware interfaces and develop specifications and performance requirements.
- Designing and developing software systems using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and design consequences.
- Preparing reports on programming project specifications, activities, or status.
- Conferring with project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities.
Where Are The Most Software Developer Jobs?
Computer science and electrical engineering are the most common majors for people with jobs as software engineers. If you are currently seeking employment as a software engineer, you can find open job positions using Zippia’s search tools.
Here are the best states for Software Engineers in 2021:
| 1 | Washington | $107,479 | $77,000 | 7,405,743 | 6,948 |
| 2 | California | $105,321 | $75,000 | 39,536,653 | 19,681 |
| 3 | Oregon | $81,684 | $59,000 | 4,142,776 | 2,587 |
| 4 | New York | $86,586 | $62,000 | 19,849,399 | 5,058 |
| 5 | District of Columbia | $86,349 | $62,000 | 693,972 | 1,104 |
| 6 | New Hampshire | $78,938 | $58,000 | 1,342,795 | 672 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $79,120 | $58,000 | 6,859,819 | 4,544 |
| 8 | Virginia | $78,080 | $56,000 | 8,470,020 | 5,588 |
| 9 | Vermont | $75,319 | $55,000 | 623,657 | 418 |
| 10 | Nevada | $80,049 | $57,000 | 2,998,039 | 638 |
| 11 | Texas | $76,365 | $58,000 | 28,304,596 | 7,575 |
| 12 | Utah | $71,800 | $51,000 | 3,101,833 | 1,777 |
| 13 | Delaware | $73,584 | $53,000 | 961,939 | 650 |
| 14 | Rhode Island | $71,837 | $52,000 | 1,059,639 | 704 |
| 15 | Arizona | $73,117 | $54,000 | 7,016,270 | 2,041 |
| 16 | Connecticut | $74,826 | $54,000 | 3,588,184 | 1,114 |
| 17 | Colorado | $73,316 | $53,000 | 5,607,154 | 2,663 |
| 18 | North Carolina | $72,498 | $52,000 | 10,273,419 | 3,326 |
| 19 | New Jersey | $74,346 | $53,000 | 9,005,644 | 3,160 |
| 20 | Maryland | $73,689 | $53,000 | 6,052,177 | 3,611 |
Are Software Engineers Rich in USA?
Well, it depends.
If you are working a 9-5 programming job at an insurance company or bank and making, say $100K per year, you are rich by international standards, but no richer than a typical accountant or sales rep, and probably less rich than most doctors, dentists, or lawyers.
If you are a top 5% programmer and have a top job at a Google or Goldman Sachs, including RSUs and bonuses, you are probably making several 100K per year and are approaching most definitions of rich, although you probably live in a high cost-of-living area like San Francisco, London, or New York.
If you were lucky enough to join a Google, Facebook, or Uber within a couple of years of their being founded, you probably have stock options worth 10s or 100s of millions of dollars, so you are very rich indeed, even richer than many CEOs or bankers.
If you used your programming ability to found a startup that went on to a modest success (say a medium-sized acquisition), you probably made several million dollars and are certainly rich.
If you are a Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates and used your programming ability to found a very successful company, you are worth billions and are very rich indeed.
Is Software Developer in Demand?
The employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 22 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. These workers will be needed to respond to an increased demand for computer software.
Which City is Best For Software Jobs in USA?
We scored the best cities for software developers by evaluating seven key variables, including income levels, housing data and economic strength. While every city demonstrated unique strengths and weaknesses, the results were viewed holistically and ranked on the basis of best overall score. The top scoring cities and metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) are shown below.
| Rank | Location | Rating | Average Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denver, CO | 82.5 | $100,010 |
| 2 | Seattle, WA | 82.2 | $118,528 |
| 3 | Phoenix, AZ | 80.7 | $90,753 |
| 4 | Atlanta, GA | 80.3 | $93,400 |
| 5 | Colorado Springs, CO | 80.2 | $99,485 |
What Are The Best States For IT Jobs?
We decided to bring you a list of the best states for jobs for information technology analysts, considering how big the profession is in the United States. Information technology analyst positions are available in every area, but not all places are the same — they do not offer the same wages, benefits, time off, etc.
In order to help you decide which state is the best for information technology analysts, we ranked all 20 states and the District of Columbia from best to worst for information technology analyst jobs.
| 1 | California | $90,810 | $61,000 | 39,536,653 | 6,610 |
| 2 | Rhode Island | $86,792 | $60,000 | 1,059,639 | 250 |
| 3 | Oregon | $85,055 | $60,000 | 4,142,776 | 909 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $86,167 | $58,000 | 9,005,644 | 1,628 |
| 5 | New York | $85,321 | $58,000 | 19,849,399 | 2,773 |
| 6 | Washington | $81,552 | $57,000 | 7,405,743 | 1,624 |
| 7 | Virginia | $80,452 | $55,000 | 8,470,020 | 2,569 |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $81,597 | $57,000 | 6,859,819 | 1,924 |
| 9 | Delaware | $82,658 | $56,000 | 961,939 | 244 |
| 10 | District of Columbia | $84,436 | $57,000 | 693,972 | 631 |
| 11 | North Carolina | $75,612 | $51,000 | 10,273,419 | 1,973 |
| 12 | Connecticut | $81,432 | $56,000 | 3,588,184 | 659 |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | $80,308 | $54,000 | 12,805,537 | 2,015 |
| 14 | Maryland | $79,781 | $54,000 | 6,052,177 | 1,464 |
| 15 | Arizona | $71,897 | $49,000 | 7,016,270 | 1,311 |
| 16 | Utah | $70,960 | $48,000 | 3,101,833 | 727 |
| 17 | Ohio | $75,544 | $52,000 | 11,658,609 | 1,721 |
| 18 | Minnesota | $73,686 | $51,000 | 5,576,606 | 1,294 |
| 19 | Texas | $71,658 | $48,000 | 28,304,596 | 4,033 |
| 20 | Illinois | $72,888 | $51,000 | 12,802,023 | 2,409 |
Highest Paying Software Engineering Jobs
We’ll explore some of the most sought after software engineering roles with the highest salaries.
AR/VR Engineers
The demand for engineers in augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) went up by 1400% in 2020, according to Hired. It shouldn’t come as a surprise given AR/VR is seen as the next level of digital technology. From retail to education, businesses are exploring AR/VR for growth.
Because the demand for this field is high and there is a low talent supply, salaries for AR/VR software engineers tend to be industry-leading. AR/VR engineers are paid in the range of $120,000 to $200,000, with a median salary of $165,000.
NLP and Machine Learning Engineers
LinkedIn found in 2018 that machine learning engineers are among the highest paid, with great demand and not as much talent supply. This has not changed much in 2020, as machine learning is still one of the most sought after skills in software engineering—Payscale reports that machine learning and natural language programming (NLP) skills both have a direct positive impact on salary.
Machine learning engineers earn $138,000 per year, with the range going up to $250,000 based on experience. Deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing (NLP) skills command a higher pay than the national average.
Big Data Engineers
The rise of big data and the ability of data science to glean insights has made big data engineers highly sought after. This makes them among the best paid too. According to Robert Half, the median national salary for big data engineers is $163,000. However, more experienced data engineers can earn up to $222,000.
Cybersecurity Engineers
As the world grows to be more and more digital, cybersecurity is becoming an important and highly-valued function. In addition to being sought after by tech companies, cybersecurity is also a priority across industries like banking, financial services, healthcare, and so on. The demand for cybersecurity engineers has grown by 49% in 2020. The average salary for security engineers has also gone up by 5% in 2020, reaching $163,000.
Gaming Engineers
With an average salary of $161,000 and a spike of 11% in job demand, gaming engineers are here to play.
Embedded and Application Engineers
According to LinkedIn, embedded and application engineers are the highest-paid after machine learning and data engineers, although the demand for them is low—as is the supply. But that does not mean they don’t have a place in this list: the average salary for embedded engineers is still quite an impressive figure at $155,000.
Mobile Engineers
Mobile engineers make up for the second largest talent pool among software engineers and have been steadily rising. Across Android and iOS platforms, there is a huge demand for full-stack engineers in mobile application development.
Mobile engineers earn $146,000 on average.
Site Reliability Engineers
Google is the birthplace of this discipline, which turned out to be so crucial that other companies like Netflix and Amazon were quick to adopt it. Ben Traynor, VP of Google and the founder of Google Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), clearly sums up the function and its importance: “SRE team is responsible for availability, latency, performance, efficiency, change management, monitoring, emergency response, and capacity planning.” In short, these engineers take care of operations and systems administration using software engineering principles.
Salary-wise, they rank high at $140,000.
Front-End Engineers
Front-end engineers make up for the biggest talent pool among all software engineers. In fact, their population is more than double the second-biggest specialty (mobile). Since the numbers of front-end engineers are only rising, the demand for them seems comparatively lower.
They earn a pretty steep $110,000 on average.
Best Companies For Entry Level Software Engineers
We incorporated 2020 data from Levels.fyi to identify the top-paying companies for software engineers. Here are 10 companies that are offering the most competitive compensation packages to software engineers.
Lyft
Headquarters: San Francisco
If you’re an entry-level engineer, Lyft has secured a reputation for offering the highest salaries, with compensation coming in at $230,000 a year. Perks of working here include a free Lyft Pink membership that provides discounted rides, free online classes and 18 weeks of paid parental leave.
While Lyft’s HQ is in San Fran, the company has 45 offices across the country and beyond. However, it’s worth taking job security amid a pandemic into consideration as ridesharing companies have had to scale back their operations amid COVID-19
Headquarters: San Francisco
Pinterest pays mid-career software engineers big salaries: $294,000 for engineers and $450,000 for senior engineers. The company also extends a wide range of benefits to employees, including egg freezing and other family building benefits; on-site and off-site family parties for pumpkin carving, Valentine making and Santa-sitting (in normal times); personal learning and development budget; Pinterest-inspired meals; and studio nights to learn new crafts and trades.
Roblox
Headquarters: San Mateo, California
The online game platform is among the companies extending the highest salaries to entry-level engineers, who can earn $222,000 annual salaries. The company has made it on the list of Fortune’s Best Workplaces and benefits here include fitness program credits and an onsite fitness center, commuter benefits plus a daily lunch and fully stocked kitchens with unlimited snacks.
Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California
Senior engineers at this career social media site have potential to pull down $461,000 annual salaries. Also, the company celebrates the end of the year with a week-long paid shutdown, gives employees a PerkUp! Allowance that they can spend on fitness classes, massages, childcare, eldercare, pet care, house cleaning, student loan repayments and tax prep. The company has an HQ in Sunnyvale but has more than 30 offices on five continents.
Stripe
Headquarters: San Francisco, California and Dublin, Ireland
E-commerce has been king and Stripe provides online payment processing for internet businesses. The company offers competitive compensation packages across most pay levels with entry-level software engineers earning $213,000 to staff engineers earning $590,000. The company has offices in tech hubs around the United States, including New York City, Seattle, Chicago and San Francisco as well as global offices and coworking spaces for remote employees.
Doordash
Headquarters: San Francisco, California
Entry-level software engineers at Doordash can start with a salary just shy of $200,000. Amid the pandemic, and with more people hunkered down at home and order delivery, the food-delivery platform is experiencing a surge in revenue growth. Employees at Doordash enjoy benefits like a $75 monthly wellness credit, unlimited vacation as well as work-from-home stipends.
Netflix
Headquarters: Los Gatos, California
Mid-career software engineers are well compensated at Netflix. The senior software engineer salary at the streaming platform and production company is $455,000. Among the company’s policies is a compensation practice that’s aimed at employee retention: Employees are paid at the top of the market.
If the market adjusts, and salary rates for a job category go up, employees compensation goes up. With this approach, there’s no waiting for end-of-year bonuses or salary increases and no raise pools that are divided up.
Airbnb
Headquarters: San Francisco, California
Like ridesharing services, the global pandemic has brought about challenges for the vacation rental marketplace. However, Airbnb in the past has consistently topped pay lists across different levels, with software engineers starting out having the potential to earn $213,000 annually and salaries increasing to $550,000 for staff engineers, a senior position.
As of now, the company has five dozen engineer job openings, so there is still opportunity even at a time when travel has largely been on pause. A big perk of working for Airbnb, especially when travel resumes, is an “annual travel and experiences credit” that’s extended to employees.
Headquarters: Menlo Park, California
While the social media platform isn’t among the top-paying companies for entry and mid-level software engineers, those that take senior-level jobs here receive some of the most competitive compensation packages, with staff engineers earning $590,000 a year and principal engineers netting $895,000. In addition to paid time off, Facebook employees get a 30-day paid break every five years.
Box
Headquarters: Redwood City, California
The cloud management and file sharing service for businesses pays senior software engineers salaries near the $300,000 mark. The company has landed on Fortune’s best places to work list. Employees have unlimited PTO and are encouraged to take time off.
Highest Salary of Software Engineer in The World
If you are interested in knowing the top software engineer salary 2021 and beyond, the reality is that you can still earn a very competitive salary in the United States if you are an expert software engineer, but there are some higher paying countries that you may want to consider, especially if you want a higher quality of life.
- United States of America $83,082
- Canada $72,412
- United Kingdom $64,513
- Netherlands $64,045
- Germany $58,503
- Belgium $56,260
- France $52,052
- Spain $37,655
- Poland $34,138
- Ukraine $28,184
Highest Paid Software Engineer Skills
In the U.S., ability with the computing framework Spark and the programming language Scala bring in the highest salaries, at an average of $125,000. Database management system Cassandra, programming language F# and open-source framework Hadoop were also top-paying technologies, at $115,000.
The survey also broke down the top-paying tech skills by occupation, identifying the most lucrative specialties for full-stack developers, front-end developers, mathematics developers and mobile developers.
Full-stack developers who can develop for the cloud and work with Redis or React are the best-paid in their field, earning an average of $105,000. For front-end developers, expertise in React ($105,000), followed by Node.JS ($95,000) brings in the most money.
Meanwhile, developers with a mathematics background who know Scala ($140,000), Spark ($130,000) and Hadoop ($125,000) get paid more than their peers. Finally, mobile developers who specialized in Objective-C earned the most in their area ($100,000), while those with a strong grounding in iOS earned about $10,000 more on average than those who are primarily Android developers.
Software Developer Jobs in USA For Freshers
An entry-level software developer has simpler duties compared to more senior members of the field. At the entry level, your responsibilities are to create simple, single-thread code to achieve a specific task. These bits of code can be combined to create a larger program.
You may also have to create or write a design algorithm by which you create software. However, most of the time, as an entry-level developer, you are in charge of debugging. You have to comb through the code of a piece of software to remove errors.
Software Jobs in USA Salary
Software engineer salary depends on the various factors such as job location, experience years in the jobs and currently where you are working. The average salary ranges can vary widely depending on the Software Engineer position, city, experience, skill, employer and more.
The average salary for a Software Engineer in the United States is between $61,270 and $164,950.
Software Engineer Per Hour Salary In the United States
For many entry-level software engineers, the average wages are said to be around $33 per hour.
- Average Per Hour Salary: $33
- Per Hour Salary Range: $26 to $40
Software Engineer Monthly Salary In the US
Here is the data of the average monthly income for the software engineers.
- Average Monthly Salary: $5,750
- Salary Range: $4,527 to $6,890
Average Yearly Salary
- Average Yearly Salary: $68,900
- Salary Range: $54,300 to $82,500
Software Developer Salary Entry Level
The average annual pay for an Entry Level Software Developer in the United States is $57,646 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $27.71 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,109/week or $4,804/month.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $80,500 and as low as $36,500, the majority of Entry Level Software Developer salaries currently range between $49,000 (25th percentile) to $64,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $73,000 annually across the United States.
The average pay range for an Entry Level Software Developer varies greatly (by as much as $15,500), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.
Top 5 Highest Paying Software Jobs
1. Data Scientist
A data scientist, without a pinch of doubt, is the highest paying jobs across industries and sectors. There has been a 29 percent increase in demand for data scientists year over year and a dramatic upswing of 344% increase since 2013, and for all the right reasons. A data scientist analyzes and interprets complex data to help organizations make better and more timely decisions. A data scientist should be able to:
- Understand Machine Learning algorithms
- Create data models
- Code in language like Python, R, SAS and other analytical tools
- Identify business issues and provide appropriate solutions
The yearly salary of a data scientist can be as high as $150,000, making it the highest paying job role of 2021. However, data science as a field itself, offers various opportunities and salary potential. For instance, data analysts and data architects too are some of the most in demand job roles that are the highest paid tech jobs within the data domain.
2. Internet of Things (IoT) Solutions Architect
One of the most-in demand and best paying jobs in technology today is an IoT solutions architect. The IoT solutions architect is a leadership role of overseeing the strategy behind the development and deployment of IoT solutions. In addition to understanding IoT solutions, one should also have strong programming skills, an understanding of Machine Learning, and knowledge of hardware design and architecture.
An IoT solutions architect is responsible for leading as well as participating in the activities around architecture and design, helping to develop an overall IoT ecosystem engagement based on the IoT Solution Framework, and translating business needs into solution architecture requirements.
And in this highest paying tech job you can earn an average of over $130,000 annually.
3. Big Data Engineer
Internet users generate about 2.5 quintillion bytes of data each day. To harness and gain insights from such a huge amount of data, over 97 percent of organizations are investing in Big Data and AI.
Clearly, the next in the list of the highest paying tech jobs is Big Data architect. A Big Data architect plans, designs and manages the entire lifecycle of large-scale developments and deployments of Big Data applications. Some of the skills required of a Big Data architect include:
- Understanding Hadoop, Spark and NoSQL, as well as data warehousing technologies
- Programming skills
- Data visualization skills
- Excellent communication skills
The average yearly salary of a Big Data architect is $140,000.
4. Software Architect
A software architect optimizes the development process by making design choices and dictating technical standards such as coding, tools and platforms. As part of their role, they identify a customer’s requirements and perform hands-on work to develop prototypes.
Some of the skills required of a software architect include:
- Data modelling
- An understanding of software architecture
- Good programming skills
- Strong analytical skills
The average yearly salary of a software architect is over $114,000. In India, the demand of software architects is at an all time high, and the salaries can range from 24 Lakhs to over 40 Lakhs Rupees annually.
5. Blockchain Engineer
A blockchain engineer specializes in developing and implementing architecture and solutions using blockchain technology. The worldwide spending on blockchain solutions is expected to reach 15.9 billion by 2023, meaning there will be plenty of demand for blockchain experts, across industries and geographies.
From a birds eye view a blockchain engineer should have solid programming skills and a thorough understanding of the technologies behind Ripple, R3, Ethereum and Bitcoin as well as consensus methodologies and the security protocol stacks, crypto libraries and functions.
The average yearly salary of a blockchain engineer is over $150,000. You can also download the blockchain engineer career guide to know the learning path, top skills and ways to build a successful career in this field, and also get an in-depth understanding of why it is referred as one of the highest paying jobs.
5 Best Tech Jobs
It’s clear to everyone that the tech industry is booming. That’s why now is the perfect time to learn about the best tech careers in the United States.
These are the best technology careers because they offer high salaries, promising employment growth, and excellent satisfaction ratings. These tech jobs also boast competitive benefits packages, including health care insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.
And the best part is, with new short-term training programs like coding bootcamps, you can learn to code and launch your career in tech faster than ever.
| Tech Job | Median Pay | Projected Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence Engineer | $146,085 | 344% |
| Data Scientist | $100,560 | 15% |
| Information Security Analyst | $99,370 | 31% |
| Software Engineer | $107,510 | 22% |
| Computer Research Scientist | $122,840 | 15% |
Positions in Software Development
1. Data Scientist
Data scientists are among the most in-demand IT professionals across the world. Data scientists have risen to the top over a couple of years due to their high demand, higher salaries, better job satisfaction, and excellent prospects.
To begin your career as a data scientist, you must be aware of machine learning techniques as well as advanced statistical concepts. You should master new technologies with good multilingual coding experience such as Java, JavaScript, C, and C++. Besides coding, you must excel in statistics and data mining techniques and possess a good understanding of various web services.
Knowledge in distributed data and computing tools, such as MySQL, Spark, MapReduce, and Hadoop, can make you stand out. As data science is an entirely new field in Information Technology (IT), it is recommended to pursue a tertiary qualification to increase your chances of becoming one.
You can opt for courses ranging from certification to masters in data science and machine learning from a reputed institute, which is an excellent option for gaining extensive knowledge and kick-starting your career.
2. DevOps Engineer
DevOps engineers are highly skilled professionals with expertise in the entire software development lifecycle and knowledge of the latest automation tools. They work closely with developers and other IT staff to develop a strategy that bridges the gaps between various IT departments.
If you are interested in deployment tasks and network operations, then DevOps engineering is your spot. The job responsibilities are divided into multiple categories that include DevOps Evangelist (an expert who implements DevOps); Security Engineer (responsible for monitoring and performing security checks on the product); Release Manager (one who releases new features); Automation Expert (IT professional with expertise in achieving tool automation and orchestration); Quality Assurance (one who ensures security compliance); Software Developer (the programmer who develops the code); and Software Tester (one who is responsible for product testing).
3. Cloud Engineer
Cloud developers, similar to software developers, design and build applications on virtual systems usually known as Cloud. These Cloud systems run on a physical location and that’s where Cloud engineers or Cloud developers come into the scenario. It is undoubtedly a significant area that one must explore while looking for software development career opportunities.
Read Also: How to Make Money Through Job Portal
You will have to monitor and manage your organization’s cloud service delivery model that includes IaaS, SaaS, or PaaS. Since small to large companies are adopting Cloud architecture for storing their business-critical data and running apps for anytime, anywhere access, the demand for Cloud developers is emerging abruptly.
You will be responsible for managing and monitoring Cloud architecture, scale applications, and systems, analyzing security concerns, controlling access rights, optimizing applications, etc.
4. Database Administrator
These computer professionals store and organize data for various types of organizations. They back up information, secure data, and manage permissions for users. They usually hold a bachelor’s in IT or computer science.
Finally
‘Building software solutions that power virtually every organization, it’s a cool job.’ That is often the comment heard about working as a software engineer. And while it is true, it is also a demanding job, one that typically requires employees to work long hours to often short deadlines in an environment where a single mistake can result in a massive bug.
