Is Software Development a Good Career?
Software development is an excellent career choice by any measure. It’s a well-paying and fast-growing field with plenty of jobs and high demand for different kinds of software professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for software developers in May 2023 was $132,270, with the highest 10% earning more than $208,620 a year. Those who hold a software engineering degree and have coding experience are often well equipped to enter the job market after graduation.
Read on to learn more about why software development is a good career choice and how you could benefit from a software development or software engineering job.
Types of Software Developers
The title “software developer” is typically used as an umbrella term for similar software-related roles in information technology (IT). The following roles are some of the most common routes you might take with a degree in software development or software engineering:
- Web developers are responsible for creating a website or web application—including its content, code, and outbound links—to ensure a smooth user experience.
- Back-end developers handle the behind-the-scenes aspects of a website that contribute to its performance and usability.
- Front-end developers build the client-facing side of a website, including visual elements like images, text, menus, interactive modules, and more.
- Embedded systems developers use software engineering principles to create and maintain devices other than traditional computers. These developers work in fields such as medical technology, manufacturing technology, and aviation.
- Language and compiler developers optimize compiler software that translates programming languages into code that a computer processor can interpret.
- Operating systems developers are tasked with building and implementing features in computer operating systems, which are designed to manage all the software and hardware of a computer.
- Video game developers create and update the underlying software in video games.
- Mobile app developers design software programs and applications for mobile devices like smartphone and tablets.
- Desktop developers write code for applications that run on operating systems such as macOS, Windows, and Linux.
- Data scientists interpret, analyze, and manage data and datasets to solve complex business problems.
Why Should You Consider Becoming a Software Developer?
If you enjoy creative problem-solving, project-based work, and data analysis, then software development might be the career path for you. Below are several major benefits to pursuing a role in software development.
High Number of Job Openings
Businesses and organizations across nearly every industry are constantly seeking software developers, and there’s no end in sight. In fact, the BLS states that employment of software developers is projected to grow a considerable 17% from 2023 to 2033, which is much higher than the national average for all occupations. Earning a relevant bachelor’s degree can help position you for career success in this dynamic job market.
Lucrative Salaries
There are nearly two billion websites and more than four billion internet users worldwide—and those numbers are only growing. With a massive need for web-based program development, it’s no wonder that software development is one of the highest-paying jobs, even for entry-level web developer positions. Whether you choose to pursue front-end, back-end, or full-stack development—or one of many other adjacent routes—you can count on competitive salaries in a software development career.
Numerous Career Progression Opportunities
There are as many software development career advancement opportunities as there are types of careers in the field. The skills you’ll learn in a software development degree program, at a software development bootcamp, or during your day-to-day job—skills like problem-solving, creative thinking, and coding—are useful and valued in dozens of career paths. No matter which type of software development you choose, there are many doors to opportunity and areas to grow into.
Flexible Work Environment
Nearly all of the work a software developer does is online, which allows for a flexible work environment. Many developers have the luxury of completing their tasks on their own time either remotely or in a hybrid work structure. Remote software developers are not restricted to jobs in their local area—they can apply for work across the country. But if you prefer an office setting, there are still plenty of jobs available with core office hours that require developers to work onsite several or all days of the week.
Project-Based Work Structure
Many software development teams operate on a project-based structure, allowing each member to engage with and explore different technologies regularly. Completing these kinds of projects can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Plus, project-centered work encourages both individual specialization and cross-team collaboration. If you thrive on solving problems and confronting new obstacles, software development could be a perfect fit for you.
Creative Outlet
Many people perceive software development as merely writing lines of code, with limited room for creativity or ingenuity. In reality, each software project presents unique challenges that require creative and critical thinking. Software developers often need to devise efficient algorithms, optimize code performance, and design user-friendly interfaces, which all demand a high degree of creativity for on-the-job success.
How to Get Started with Coding
Coding is a fundamental skill in any software development career. Fortunately, beginners can often start with minimal barriers to entry. For those at an intermediate or advanced level looking to progress in their careers, various educational paths are available. Whatever your goals may be, consider the following three steps to improve your coding skills.
Use Free Online Resources
There are many types of coding languages used in software development, from JavaScript and Python to C++ and SQL. A great way to start coding is to check out free online resources. You can find all kinds of free—or otherwise affordable—online courses that cover topics like basic HTML, AI automation, and database management.
Attend Coding Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps are short-term but intensive programs packed with exercises on how to use programming languages in various IT fields, including software development. Bootcamps are an efficient, accelerated way for both beginners and enthusiasts to strengthen their coding knowledge and polish their coding skill set.
Earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
If you’re serious about becoming a professional software developer, you should enroll in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program so that you can gain all the skills and credentials necessary for a lucrative, long-term career.
Why Choose WGU?
Pursuing higher education brings a host of benefits. It can increase earning potential, open doors to career advancement opportunities, and provide personal fulfillment. Earning a degree from WGU means you can enjoy these benefits while studying on a flexible schedule. WGU’s software engineering program is designed with input from subject-matter experts and gives students the job-ready skills they need for success in the industry.
Our competency-based learning model means that you advance through coursework as quickly as you master the material, so you can potentially graduate faster and save money. Plus, earn one or more IT certifications at no extra cost in select WGU degree programs. Learn more today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bachelor’s degree in software development?
A software development bachelor’s degree is an educational credential that positions graduates to enter the field of software development, software engineering, and other related IT fields. This degree grants students a foundational understanding of computer programming, web and application development, data structures, and project management.
What is a master’s degree in information technology management?
An IT management master’s degree prepares individuals to work at the intersection of business needs and IT solutions. A master’s in IT management helps professionals step into leadership positions to foster innovation in the business and IT fields.
How much do software developers make?
The total salary for software developers depends on factors like their amount of experience, level of education, and location. Software development jobs pay well—according to the BLS, software developers earned an average annual salary of $132,270 in May 2023.
How much do top software developers make?
The BLS states that the highest 10% of software developers earned more than $208,620 in May 2023.
