Software Developers, Applications

Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers.

Median Annual Wage: $95,510

Education: Bachelor's degree (75%); Master's degree (9%); Post-master's certificate (8%)

Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)

Related Job Titles: Programmer Analyst; Software Developer; Applications Developer; Software Engineer; Application Integration Engineer; Software Development Engineer; Computer Consultant; Software Architect; Technical Consultant; Business Systems Analyst

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Software Developers, Applications.

More Computer and Mathematical Careers

  • Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation.
  • Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
  • Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
  • Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
  • Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
  • Consult with customers about software system design and maintenance.
  • Supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians and other engineering and scientific personnel.
  • Coordinate software system installation and monitor equipment functioning to ensure specifications are met.
  • Obtain and evaluate information on factors such as reporting formats required, costs, and security needs to determine hardware configuration.
  • Determine system performance standards.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Software Developers, Applications.

  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Software Developers, Applications.

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