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What is a software applications engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted Experts
Frank McCown Ph.D.,
Kevin Treu Ph.D.

The primary role of a software applications engineer is to design, develop, implement, and maintain software based on client specifications and company standards for quality. They may work as freelancers or contractors but usually work as full-time employees of a software development company or department within a business.

Aside from the duties mentioned above, a software applications engineer is also typically responsible for conducting tests on newly created software, troubleshooting technical issues, educating clients or employees on how to use the software applications, and making modifications to their applications as they see fit. Usually, they work with other software applications engineers, software developers, and managers.

Since this job requires a broad knowledge of software development, most employers look for candidates with at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or computer engineering. Furthermore, they prefer candidates who have extensive experience in software applications engineering or other relevant fields.

As a highly specialized and skilled role, it comes as no surprise that the average salary for a software applications engineer is a six-digit figure at $104,000 per annum.

What general advice would you give to a Software Applications Engineer?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

The market is stable for software developers, despite the economic challenges created by the pandemic. Before accepting a job offer, talk to the company's employees through online meetings or email, and see what they think of the company. Do they enjoy their work? Are there opportunities to learn new technologies? How does the company treat their employees? There's a good chance you will be working remotely in your first job, so you will need to exercise a lot of self-discipline, be punctual for online meetings, do the work you've been assigned, and know when to ask questions when you get stuck. Expect a steeper-than-normal learning curve if you are working remotely instead of in an office.
ScoreSoftware Applications EngineerUS Average
Salary
7.7

Avg. Salary $104,885

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
4.0

Growth Rate 21%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 29.74%

Black or African American 4.66%

Hispanic or Latino 8.43%

Unknown 4.87%

White 52.13%

Gender

female 20.16%

male 79.84%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress Level
4.0

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
7.9

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.6

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Software Applications Engineer career paths

Key steps to become a software applications engineer

  1. Explore software applications engineer education requirements

    Most common software applications engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    71.2 %

    Master's

    16.8 %

    Associate

    8.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific software applications engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Java13.81%
    Python9.76%
    Software Development6.67%
    JavaScript5.83%
    Architecture5.82%
  3. Complete relevant software applications engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New software applications engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a software applications engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real software applications engineer resumes.
  4. Research software applications engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Developed/Maintain software to fully automate businesses onto PC's.
    • Manage and complete multiple concurrent ERP software implementation projects.
    • Contribute to implementing microservices used to manage entities and maintain a synchronize state between supplier and distributor.
    • Develop web applications to retrieve data for team assessments using technologies like JSP, Java, HTML and JavaScript.
  5. Prepare your software applications engineer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your software applications engineer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a software applications engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Software Applications Engineer Resume templates

    Build a professional Software Applications Engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Software Applications Engineer resume.
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    Software Applications Engineer Resume
  6. Apply for software applications engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a software applications engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Software Applications Engineer Job

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Average software applications engineer salary

The average Software Applications Engineer salary in the United States is $104,885 per year or $50 per hour. Software applications engineer salaries range between $77,000 and $141,000 per year.

Average Software Applications Engineer Salary
$104,885 Yearly
$50.43 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do software applications engineers rate their job?

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Software Applications Engineer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2024
Pros

Work from home, reasonable salary and benefits

Cons

Repetitive work. Training is on the job mostly.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2023
Pros

Problem solving and cutting edge technology - always learning and evolving my skill set

Cons

Still have to deal with people :)


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I work hard do my job good worker when i work i want the best out of my job starring with each other stand on the work

Cons

Nothing not doing my job


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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