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.
At a Glance
Software Developers earns a median of $133,080/yr with +15.8% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Computers and Electronics, Working with Computers, Zoom.
$133,080/yr
+15.8%
115
Bachelor's degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (12)
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Knowledge (4)
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Abilities (12)
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Technology (148)
Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology
Category: Project management software | Hot Technology
Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology
Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology | In Demand
Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology
Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology
Category: Enterprise application integration software | Hot Technology
Category: Internet directory services software | Hot Technology | In Demand
Category: Enterprise application integration software | Hot Technology
Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology
Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology
Work Activities (18)
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Work Styles (2)
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer and Mathematical · 560 shared skills
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer and Mathematical · 429 shared skills
Computer Programmers
Computer and Mathematical · 417 shared skills
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Computer and Mathematical · 400 shared skills
Database Architects
Computer and Mathematical · 397 shared skills
Web Developers
Computer and Mathematical · 396 shared skills
Information Technology Project Managers
Computer and Mathematical · 389 shared skills
Computer User Support Specialists
Computer and Mathematical · 385 shared skills
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