What do they 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.

Also known as:

Application Developer, Application Integration Engineer, Developer, Infrastructure Engineer, Network Engineer, Software Architect, Software Developer, Software Development Engineer, Software Engineer, Systems Engineer

Typical Wages

Projected Growth Rate

Employment of Software Developers is projected to grow 21 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average compared to all occupations.

Projected Employment in VA

No Data Available
  • 21.4%

    Change

    Ranks #6 in job growth rate
    6,920

    Job Openings

    Ranks #4 in net job growth

Best colleges for Software Developers

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Colleges with the most graduates that become Software Developers

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Education Level

Percent of workers in this field with these degrees:

  • Bachelor's degree  (51%)
  • Master's degree  (31%)
  • Some college, no degree  (7%)
  • Doctorate or Professional Degree  (4%)
  • Associate's degree  (4%)
  • High school diploma equivalent  (2%)
  • Less than high school diploma  (<1%)

Typical College Majors

Most Popular Majors that prepare Software Developers

Select Type of Degree:

  • #1
    • Degrees Granted

      40,331
    • Female Students

      8,540
    • Male Students

      31,791
    • Median Starting Salary

      $62,633
  • #2
    • Degrees Granted

      13,110
    • Female Students

      2,991
    • Male Students

      10,119
    • Median Starting Salary

      $54,033
  • #3
    • Degrees Granted

      9,816
    • Female Students

      1,543
    • Male Students

      8,273
    • Median Starting Salary

      $64,700
  • #4
    • Degrees Granted

      9,330
    • Female Students

      2,548
    • Male Students

      6,782
    • Median Starting Salary

      $53,350
  • #5
    • Degrees Granted

      2,137
    • Female Students

      362
    • Male Students

      1,775
    • Median Starting Salary

      $64,700

This page includes data from:

O*NET OnLine Career data: O*NET 28.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (“USDOL/ETA”). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Logo Occupation statistics: USDOL U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics

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