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Introduction
Greetings, fellow tech enthusiasts! Today we’re going to talk about one of the most in-demand and lucrative careers in the tech industry: software development. Specifically, we’ll be delving into the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on software developer employment and salaries.
As technology transforms the world we live in, software developers play a crucial role in creating the code that powers our favorite apps, websites, and software programs. With demand for their skills continuing to grow, software development is a career path that’s both exciting and financially rewarding. But what do the numbers say? Let’s find out.
What is the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, is a government agency that provides data and analysis on employment, wages, and other labor market trends in the United States. It’s a valuable resource for job seekers, employers, and anyone interested in understanding the current state of the U.S. job market.
What is a software developer?
A software developer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining software applications. They write and test code, fix bugs, and collaborate with other professionals to ensure that software meets user needs and is easy to use. Software developers can specialize in different areas, such as mobile app development, web development, or database design.
What is Software Developer Employment?
The BLS defines software developers as individuals who “develop and maintain the software that makes computers and other devices run.” This includes both applications software developers (who create programs like Word processors, video games, and mobile apps) and systems software developers (who design the operating systems and other software that makes hardware work).
According to the BLS, there were 1,469,200 software developers in the United States in 2020. That includes 1,404,500 applications software developers and 64,700 systems software developers.
Software Developer Employment Projections
Not only is software developer employment growing, but it’s projected to continue to do so. The BLS estimates that software developer employment will grow by 22% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to around 316,000 new jobs in the software development field.
Software Developer Salaries
So, with all this demand for software developers, how much can one expect to earn in this field? According to the BLS, the median annual wage for software developers in the United States in May 2020 was $110,140. This means that half of all software developers earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less.
The highest 10 percent of earners in the field made more than $166,960 per year, while the lowest 10 percent made less than $64,240. The BLS notes that salary varies depending on factors like experience, location, and industry.
The Software Development Industry with the Highest Employment
The software development industry is diverse, with software developers working in a range of fields, from finance to healthcare to entertainment. According to the BLS, the industry with the highest employment of software developers in May 2020 was computer systems design and related services. This industry employed 41% of all software developers, with an average annual salary of $116,200.
The States with the Highest Employment of Software Developers
So, where are the best places to find software developer jobs? According to the BLS, the states with the highest employment of software developers in May 2020 were:
Rank |
State |
Employment |
Mean Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
California |
327,119 |
$123,130 |
2 |
Texas |
173,240 |
$108,220 |
3 |
New York |
112,020 |
$117,820 |
4 |
Virginia |
83,260 |
$113,710 |
5 |
Florida |
77,560 |
$90,590 |
FAQs
What kind of education do you need to become a software developer?
Most software developers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Some employers may also accept candidates with an associate’s degree or relevant work experience.
What skills do I need to become a software developer?
Key skills for a software developer include strong analytical skills, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in a team environment. It’s also important to have experience with software development tools and programming languages.
What programming languages should I learn to become a software developer?
It depends on the type of software development you want to do, but some popular languages include Java, C++, Python, and JavaScript. It’s also important to keep up with new programming languages and technologies as they emerge.
What’s the difference between a software developer and a software engineer?
The terms “software developer” and “software engineer” are often used interchangeably, but there can be some differences in job responsibilities. A software engineer may be responsible for overseeing the entire software development process, including design, testing, and maintenance, while a software developer may focus more on coding and building software applications.
What industries hire the most software developers?
Software developers work in a range of industries, but some of the top employers include computer systems design and related services, finance and insurance, and software publishing.
What are the job prospects like for software developers?
Software development is a rapidly growing field, with high demand for skilled developers in many industries. According to the BLS, employment of software developers is expected to grow by 22% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
What kind of work environment do software developers typically work in?
Software developers may work in a variety of settings, including offices, computer labs, and telecommuting from home. Many work full-time, and some may need to work overtime in order to meet deadlines.
What kind of career advancement opportunities are available for software developers?
Software developers can advance to senior-level positions, such as software architect or technical lead, with experience and additional training. Some may also go on to start their own software development companies.
How much do software developers make?
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for software developers in the United States in May 2020 was $110,140. This varies depending on factors like experience, location, and industry.
What are some of the challenges that software developers face?
Challenges for software developers can include staying up-to-date with rapidly-evolving technologies, managing complex code bases, and working with tight deadlines and budgets. Collaboration and communication with other team members can also be a challenge.
What are some of the benefits of working as a software developer?
Benefits of working as a software developer include high pay, opportunities for career advancement, and the ability to work on cutting-edge technologies and products. Many software developers also enjoy flexible work arrangements and the ability to work from home.
What is the job outlook for software developers?
The job outlook for software developers is very positive. According to the BLS, employment of software developers is expected to grow by 22% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
What qualities are important for success as a software developer?
Some important qualities for success as a software developer include strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, flexibility, and the ability to work in a team environment. It’s also important to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends in the field.
How can I get started in a career as a software developer?
Getting started in a career as a software developer typically involves pursuing a degree or certification in computer science or a related field, gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, and building a portfolio of software development projects to showcase your skills.
Conclusion
Software development is a dynamic and in-demand field, and the BLS data shows that it’s a great choice for those looking for a stable, high-paying career. With upward mobility and opportunities for advancement, software development is a field to consider for anyone with strong technical skills and a passion for innovation.
If you’re considering a career in software development, it’s important to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends, and to seek out opportunities to gain experience and build your skills. With hard work and dedication, a career as a software developer can be both professionally and financially rewarding.
Closing/Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional career advice. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data presented here is accurate as of May 2020, but may be subject to change. We encourage readers to research individual employers and industries to determine the current state of software developer employment and salaries.
