The Work of a Software Developer

Software developers obviously spend their days developing software programs. The job duties are pretty self-explanatory. No matter how transparent the work may be, there are other elements surrounding it that may not be so obvious. For instance, do you know where software developers work or how much money they make? Probably not. That is what this article is all about. Here we will assess some of the background factors that make up the career of a software developer so you can determine if this is the career for you. Let's explore software engineering jobs like never before.

Employers for Software Developers

Software developers can work for a wide variety of employers. They don't have to work directly with Apple or Kaspersky. They can find jobs anywhere that software development is needed, which is just about anywhere in the work force. Here is a look at just some of the many employers you may be able to work under in this profession:

• Colleges
• Companies
• Contracts
• Government Offices
• Foundations
• Franchises
• Hospitals
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Private Practices
• School Districts
• Teams

Industries for Software Developers

Because of the vast assortment of employers that software developers can work for, there is also a vast assortment of industries they can work in. If you are looking for an occupation that can truly take you anywhere, this may be a great opportunity for you. Here are some of the most popular industries you may consider working in:

• Aerospace and Defense
• Financial Services
• Insurance
• IT Consulting
• Software Applications

Degree Programs for Software Developers

If you want to become a software developer in the near future, you will need to obtain college degree. This is not saying that you cannot learn all of the information you need on your own. You will just have a hard time finding a job if you do that. The list below shows some of the degree programs you may want to keep in mind, and any one of them could land you a job as a software developer:

• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Master of Science in Computer Science

Specialties for Software Developers

Sometimes it pays to specialize, especially in the world of technology. You need to be a Jack of all trades, but you also need to be really experienced in one or two areas. That will make you a more desirable employee in the long run. Possible specialties may include:

• ASP.NET
• C#
• C++
• HTML
• Java
• Microsoft SQL Server
• SQL
• UNIX
• VB.Net
• .NET

Certifications for Software Developers

In order to verify that you know what you are doing in software development, you may want to obtain a few certifications. That will show your employers that you are skilled enough to work with them. The list below shows some of the certifications you may pursue for this career.

• Cisco Certified Network Associate
• Microsoft Certified Database Administrator
• Microsoft Certified Professional
• Microsoft Certified Professional + Internet
• Microsoft Certified Solution Developer
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
• Oracle Certified Professional
• Sun Certified Java Programmer
• Comptia A+ Service Technician

Salary Rates for Software Developers

The salary range for software developers is pretty vast, and that is because there are a number of variables to keep in mind. Your experience, employer, and education will all impact the amount of money you earn in this vocation. Here are some charts to show you just how much money you can make as a software developer:

Salary by Years of Experience

• Less than 1 year of experience: $35,125 - $78,230 per year
• 1-4 years of experience: $38,883 - $79,596 per year
• 5-9 years of experience: $47,933 - $92,801 per year
• 10-19 years of experience: $52,402 - $104,261 per year
• 20 years or more of experience: $52,501 - $118,242 per year

Salary by Location

• California: $44,143 - $100,446 per year
• Florida: $39,709 - $83,316 per year
• Illinois: $43,959 - $86,502 per year
• New York: $40,581 - $101,957 per year
• Ohio: $40,741 - $79,946 per year
• Texas: $41,901 - $89,762 per year
• Washington: $41,672 - $100,378 per year

Now that you know what you need to know about the work of a software developer, you need to figure out whether or not this is the right career path for you. If it is, you should have an exciting life ahead of you.