Software Developer
O*NET-SOC: 15-1252.00
Designs, develops, tests, and maintains software applications and systems using programming languages, frameworks, and development tools to meet user and business requirements.
About this Role
Software developers build and maintain the applications and systems that people use every day, from websites and mobile apps to the behind-the-scenes tools that keep businesses running. They spend much of their time writing code, reading code written by teammates, and figuring out why something isn't working the way it should. A typical morning might involve joining a short team meeting to discuss what everyone is working on, then reviewing a colleague's code changes before diving into their own tasks, such as adding a new feature or fixing a bug that users reported.
A Day in the Life
9:00 AM
Scan email and messages
Review overnight notifications, prioritize open tasks in the team's tracker, and plan which items to tackle today.
9:30 AM
Daily stand-up meeting
Join a 15-minute video call with the team to share progress, flag anything blocking work, and coordinate on shared tasks.
10:00 AM
Code review session
Read through a teammate's recent code changes, suggest improvements, and check for issues like missed edge cases or unclear logic.
11:00 AM
Deep coding block
Write new code for a feature or fix, such as building a connection between the app and a database or adding caching to speed up a slow page.
12:30 PM
Lunch break
Step away for a meal, stretch, or quick walk to recharge before the afternoon push.
1:30 PM
Pair programming
Share a screen with a colleague to work through a tricky bug together, talking through the logic in real time.
3:00 PM
Run tests and deploy
Run automated tests to make sure nothing is broken, merge the finished code, and push it through the deployment system so users can access it.
4:30 PM
Wrap-up and plan
Document what changed and why, log remaining tasks for tomorrow, and sign off unless an urgent issue comes in.
Tools & Technologies
Web Development
- CSS
- Angular
- HTML
- JavaScript
- JSON
Development Tools
- Apache Kafka
- C
- Microsoft .NET Framework
- Microsoft Azure
- Apache Maven
Databases & Data Tools
- AWS
- SQL
- AWS EC2
- Amazon Redshift
- Apache Hive
Programming Languages
- C#
- C++
- Java
- Python
- TypeScript
Operating Systems
- Linux
- iOS
- macOS
- Bash
- Android
Database Systems
- NoSQL
- Amazon DynamoDB
- Apache Cassandra
- Apache Hadoop
- Elasticsearch
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $103K and $169K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $80K |
| 25th | $103K |
| 50th (Median) | $133K |
| 75th | $169K |
| 90th | $211K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Recommended
AWS Certified Developer - Associate
Amazon Web Services
Validates skills in developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications using AWS services like Lambda and API Gateway.
Google Professional Cloud Developer
Google Cloud
Covers designing, building, and managing applications on Google Cloud Platform, including microservices.
Helpful
Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP)
IEEE Computer Society
Demonstrates mastery of software engineering principles, processes, and ethics for complex projects.
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA
Provides foundational cybersecurity knowledge essential for secure coding practices.
Professional Memberships
IEEE Membership
IEEE
Offers access to standards, conferences, and networking for professional growth in software development.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- Fully Remote
- Work Setting
- Traditional office / indoor
- Physical Activity
- Mostly sedentary
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (44)
- Critical ThinkingGood Match
- Judgment and Decision MakingGood Match
- Reading ComprehensionGood Match
- Active LearningGood Match
- Systems AnalysisGood Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Software Developer a good career?
Software Developer can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $133K and job outlook is growing (26% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Software Developer?
The typical education requirement for a Software Developer is a Bachelor's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Software Developer?
Becoming a Software Developer typically requires about 4 years of undergraduate study. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Software Developer?
The work-life balance for a Software Developer is moderate, with some periods requiring extended hours or flexibility. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Software Developer?
The job outlook for Software Developer is growing. Employment is projected to grow by 26% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.