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What is a software developer and how to become one

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

A software developer designs, develops, tests, and maintains software applications. They use Java, Python, and C++ to make programs that meet client or employer specifications. Software developers work with designers, project managers, and stakeholders to create software that meets the users’ needs. They also troubleshoot and debug software for proper functioning. In addition, they keep up-to-date with emerging technologies and programming languages. Software developers aim to create high-quality software products that solve problems and meet user needs.

What general advice would you give to a Software Developer?

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 DeveloperUS Average
Salary
6.8

Avg. Salary $87,521

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 29.92%

Black or African American 4.46%

Hispanic or Latino 8.20%

Unknown 4.81%

White 52.45%

Gender

female 20.66%

male 79.34%

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

What are the pros and cons of being a Software Developer?

Pros

  • High demand for software developers

  • Competitive salaries

  • Opportunities for creativity and innovation

  • High job security

  • Opportunity for career growth and advancement

Cons

  • Sitting at a desk for extended periods can be unhealthy

  • Some projects may not be as interesting or challenging as others

  • Can be mentally exhausting and require intense concentration

  • Dealing with difficult clients or team members can be stressful

  • Can be repetitive or tedious at times

Software Developer career paths

Key steps to become a software developer

  1. Explore software developer education requirements

    Most common software developer degrees

    Bachelor's

    71.6 %

    Master's

    19.5 %

    Associate

    5.4 %

  2. Start to develop specific software developer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Java11.01%
    Python8.90%
    C++7.31%
    Software Development5.90%
    JavaScript4.77%
    Show more

  3. Complete relevant software developer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New software developers 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 developer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real software developer resumes.

  4. Research software developer duties and responsibilities

    • Restructure the project code in repository and use maven to manage project dependencies.
    • Used JIRA to manage and track the issues report by QA and prioritize and take action base on the severity.
    • Develop the front-end web page by using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, taking advantage of the frameworks Angular.JS.
    • Lead team and develop UNIX administrative and maintenance development tasks, supporting customer requirements.

  5. Prepare your software developer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your software developer 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 developer 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 Developer Resume templates

    Build a professional Software Developer 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 Developer resume.
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    Software Developer Resume

  6. Apply for software developer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a software developer 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 Developer Job

Ricardo GuerreroRicardo Guerrero LinkedIn Profile

Software Developer, CNH Industrial

I started professionally in the area of support and installation of EMC storage equipment, but after a couple of years I wanted to do something else, especially combining software and hardware. I found possibilities developing drivers, applications with smart cards, among other things.
Over time I have had the opportunity to work with different technologies, different companies and it has allowed me to expand my experience to more than one programming language. I have been able to work with people from different countries and it has helped me grow because you always need to learn something more, it is not easy but you have to keep yourself constantly updated.
I am currently developing for Android with Java and C++.

Average software developer salary

The average Software Developer salary in the United States is $87,521 per year or $42 per hour. Software developer salaries range between $67,000 and $113,000 per year.

Average Software Developer Salary
$87,521 Yearly
$42.08 hourly
More software developer salary info

What Am I Worth?

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How do software developers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Software Developer reviews

profile
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 :)

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I enjoyed working on creative problems that dealt with the user interface

Cons

I didn't like how technical it could become

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

Working with technology.

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Software Developer FAQs

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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.

Updated January 8, 2025

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