Software Developers
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Also called: AI Specialist (Artificial Intelligence Specialist), Application Analyst, Application Architect, Application Developer, Application Engineer, Application Integration Engineer
Median pay
$135,980
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$82,460 – $214,670
People employed
1,687,890
Holland code
ICR
Investigative · Conventional · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 4.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 5.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 6.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 7.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 8.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Software Developers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What software developers do
- 01Monitor functioning of equipment to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
- 02Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
- 03Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
- 04Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
- 05Coordinate installation of software system.
- 06Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
- Adaptability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 6 years, up to and including 8 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from software developers
- Computer Hardware Engineers80% · +19%
- Data Scientists78% · −12%
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists76% · group pay
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists73% · group pay
- Computer and Information Systems Managers70% · +29%
Change into software developers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists86% · $130,220
- Operations Research Analysts82% · $88,940
- Computer Hardware Engineers79% · $161,740
- Logistics Engineers76% · $82,320
- Data Scientists75% · $120,230
Majors that lead here
- Artificial Intelligence
- Information Technology
- Informatics
- Computer Programming/Programmer, General
- Computer Programming, Specific Applications
- Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification
- Computer Game Programming
- Computer Programming, Specific Platforms
- Information Science/Studies
- Computer Science
- Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation
- Cloud Computing
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.