Systems software developers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Systems software developers create the systems that keep computers functioning properly. These could be operating systems for computers that the general public buys or systems built specifically for an organization. Often, systems software developers also build the systems interface, which is what allows users to interact with the computer. Systems software developers create the operating systems that control most of the consumer electronics in use today, including those used by cell phones and cars.
- Education Required
- Software developers usually have a bachelors degree, typically in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Computer science degree programs are the most common, because they tend to cover a broad range of topics. Students should focus on classes related to building software to better prepare themselves for work in the occupation. Many students gain experience in software development by completing an internship at a software company while in college. For some positions, employers may prefer that applicants have a masters degree.
- Job Outlook
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The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 24% (Much faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Advancement
- Software developers can advance to become information technology (IT) project managers, also called computer and information systems managers, a position in which they oversee the software development process.
- Median pay: How much do Software Developers make?
- $102,280 Annual Salary
- $49.17 per hour
Careers for Software Developers
- Application integration engineers
- Applications developers
- Applications software developers
- Computer applications developers
- Computer applications engineers
- Computer systems software architects
- Computer systems software engineers
- Database developers
- Embedded systems software developers
- Enterprise systems engineers
- Software applications architects
- Software applications designers
- Software architects
- Software designers
- Software engineers
- Software systems designers
- Software systems engineers
- Software systems specialists
- Systems developers