Computer Software Engineer

Print

Work Tasks

COMPUTER SOFTWARE ENGINEERS apply the principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis to design, develop, test, and evaluate software and systems so that computers can perform applications, along with hardware development. They work in systems or applications development. They design and develop software for operating systems, network distribution, and compilers, and other systems. They design, create, and modify applications software or specialized utility programs. Some software engineers develop both packaged systems and systems software or create customized applications.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $87,000 average per year ($41.75 per hour)
• A large occupation (878,200 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (3.2% per year)

Entry Requirements

Most employers prefer to hire COMPUTER SOFTWARE ENGINEERS with at least a bachelor's degree and broad knowledge and experience with computer systems and technology. Usual degree concentrations for applications software engineers are computer science or software engineering; for systems software engineers, usual concentrations are computer science or computer information systems. Graduate degrees are preferred for some of the more complex jobs. Voluntary certification is available to those with a college degree and 2 years experience.