Software Developers
SOC code 15-1252 · O*NET-SOC 15-1252.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Computer and IT
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth and numerous job openings for this occupation
Software development is one of the highest-paying occupations with a bachelor's-level entry route, and one of the few where portfolios and certifications can substitute for formal education. The spread between entry and top-decile pay is among the widest of any occupation.
Software Developers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$135,980
a year
Hourly
$65.38
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$148,100
$71.20 per hour
Middle 50%
$105,210 – $171,980
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$82,460 – $214,670
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
1,687,890
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $82,460
- $39.64/hr
- 25th percentile
- $105,210
- $50.58/hr
- Median percentile
- $135,980
- $65.38/hr
- 75th percentile
- $171,980
- $82.68/hr
- 90th percentile
- $214,670
- $103.21/hr
What does a software developer do?
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Monitor functioning of equipment to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
- Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
- Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
- Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
- Coordinate installation of software system.
- Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
- Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status.
- Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
How to become a software developer
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 85% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree85%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%
- Master's Degree5%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)3%
Common questions
How much does a software developer earn?
The national median is $135,980 a year. The full range runs from $82,460 at the 10th percentile to $214,670 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a software developer without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking3.9/5
- Reading Comprehension3.5/5
- Active Learning3.5/5
- Active Listening3.4/5
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics4.8/5
- Mathematics3.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- English Language3.3/5
- Education and Training2.8/5
- Engineering and Technology2.8/5
- Design2.7/5
- Telecommunications2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Programming, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis, Complex Problem Solving, Technology Design, Systems Evaluation.