Jacob Given is a writer, researcher, and college professor who writes on philosophy, culture, and film. His scholarly writing has been published in The Journal for Religion, Film, and Media and The Side View, and his popular writing has been featured.
Updated August 28, 2024
Mitch JacobsonClick to Read Full Biography
After launching her career in content strategy, writing, and editing, Mitch Jacobson honed her skills at an investment firm focused on community development, economic opportunity, and inclusion. She believes in continuing education and professional g.
Software engineers create operating systems, applications, and programs. Explore this career, including education requirements, key skills, and salary potential.
Credit: Luis Alvarez / DigitalVision / Getty Images
ComputerScience.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to discover your college program?
Credit: Luis Alvarez / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Software engineers create, maintain, and improve computer programs. In an increasingly digital world, software engineers can find work in a variety of industries including computer systems design, software publishing, finance, and manufacturing.
Software engineering roles require applicants to have computer coding knowledge, advanced analytical skills, and creativity. There are many degree paths for software engineers, but qualifications for an entry-level position typically include a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field.
On the job market, software engineers enjoy high demand. If you find satisfaction in thinking logically and creatively about technology, working as a computer software engineer may be a good fit for you.
Continue reading to learn about the typical responsibilities, career paths, and compensation for software engineers.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
In 1963, Margaret Hamilton, coined the term software engineering while working on developing the software for the Apollo spacecraft. At this time, software development faced a crisis in trying to keep up with the progress in hardware development. This period led to the rise of software engineering by introducing new programs and languages.
In 1968 and 1969, the NATO Software Engineering Conference took place, giving the software engineering industry a much-needed boost. By the 1980s, software engineering secured its place alongside the computer science and traditional engineering professions.
Software engineers create and maintain programs to address user needs. They typically work on teams to design, develop, test, and document applications. They also work with other stakeholders to determine user requirements and gather feedback for further improvements.
Although you may hear the terms "software engineer" and "software developer" used interchangeably, the two roles have different emphases. Software engineers tend to focus on "big picture" design while developers tend to focus on programming work. In practice, however, software engineers often write original code.
Aspiring software engineers should note several challenges associated with the role. Engineers must manage accelerating technological advancement and ever-changing user needs. Additionally, teams can face significant pressure to meet tight deadlines.
Software engineers create solutions for users. In order to design effective software, engineers must understand user requirements and familiarize themselves with the user's industry. Additionally, while some organizations have dedicated personnel for gathering user requirements, smaller companies may require their software engineers to perform this function.
In addition to satisfying user requirements, engineers must design solutions that comply with organizational and industry security standards. Because the tech landscape changes so rapidly, software engineers must continually learn and implement new security best practices.
Software engineers must design systems that address user needs. This typically involves communicating a broad outline of the software's functionality to a team of developers. Engineers must communicate clearly and effectively to their team in order to prevent wasted labor.
Engineers must provide reference documentation for their software, both for the user and for other engineers and developers on their team. Users need documentation to help them utilize a product to its maximum potential, and other engineers need documentation to facilitate future maintenance.
Even after a software product rolls out, engineers must continue to test and verify its functionality. Additionally, teams may receive requests for additional features. Regular testing and updates help ensure a positive and consistent user experience.
A few of the most popular programming languages software engineers need to know include:
The typical day-to-day for a software engineer varies based on the industry, size, and work culture of a given organization. Many development teams begin the day with a brief "stand-up" meeting so team members can share updates on a project's progress and identify potential challenges.
At larger companies, software engineers may spend more time on core duties like designing and documenting applications. Depending on the team, senior software engineers may also have management responsibilities, which can involve regular check-ins with team members, conducting performance reviews, and reporting to higher management.
If you work for a smaller organization, you may need to fulfill several other functions. For example, without personnel dedicated to testing, you may need to focus more time on troubleshooting, maintenance, and quality control. Additionally, while software engineers typically focus on the big picture, smaller teams may require you both to design and develop an application. Finally, you may need to work directly with clients to determine requirements and gather feedback.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software developers earned a median salary of $132,270 in 2023. Individuals working in the software publishing industry were the highest earners, with a median annual wage of $143,210. Additionally, the BLS projects a 25% increase in computer software engineer positions through 2032, indicating plenty of future growth.
$132,270
Annual Median Salary
Source: BLS
Those with a degree and experience in software engineering can explore different computing career options. Although the exact opportunities will depend on their specific education, industry, and geographic location, software engineers can pursue high-paying jobs and career advancement.
| Career | Required or Preferred Education | Required or Preferred Experience | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Projected Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Managers | Bachelor's Degree | None | $98,580 | 6% |
| Web Developer | Bachelor's Degree | None | $92,750 | 16% |
| Information Security Analyst | Bachelor's Degree | Fewer than five years | $120,360 | 32% |
| Systems Analyst | Bachelor's Degree | None | $103,800 | 10% |
| Data Scientist | Bachelor's Degree | None | $108,020 | 35% |
Many software engineers benefit from membership in one or more professional organizations. A professional organization provides opportunities for networking, professional development, and education to its members. The following list contains some professional organizations relevant to software engineers.
Software engineers need at least a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, information technology, or a related field. For more senior roles or management positions, employers may require significant experience in the role or a master’s degree. Those looking into research and teaching roles could benefit from a doctorate in software engineering or computer science.
Individuals can gain software engineering skills by completing degree programs, industry certifications, or bootcamps. Software engineering bootcamps can provide intense, project-based training for entry-level positions. Employers also often seek at least two years of work experience in a computing role.
Learn how to become a software engineer and get the education and experience necessary to succeed.
Read about undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs that can help you enter the software engineering field.
Software Engineering Bootcamps" />
Learn about intensive software engineering training programs that give learners practical experience on an accelerated timeline.
Acquire computer science skills and earn credibility in the field with quick and affordable certifications.
A software engineer creates and maintains computer programs to meet user needs. They often work with teams of developers to design, test, and improve applications according to user requirements and feedback. They also create technical documentation and guides to assist with future maintenance and help users understand the software.
Although aspiring software engineers may need to complete math courses as part of their formal education, most jobs do not require advanced mathematical knowledge. However, software engineers must have a firm foundation in both logic and analytical thinking, since many of their responsibilities involve working with computer code and analyzing complex systems.
Although not all software engineers work with artificial intelligence (AI), many do. In fact, the BLS cites the rise of AI and other automation applications as a major contributor to projected job growth for software engineers in the next decade. Despite current uncertainty around the future of artificial intelligence, more and more software engineers can expect opportunities to work with AI in the near future.
The day-to-day of a software engineer varies based on an organization's size, industry, and typical practices. At larger organizations, software engineers can often devote more attention to core duties like application design and documentation. However, many smaller teams may require software engineers to spend more time on original code and to interface directly with clients.
Take the next step toward your future.
Discover programs you’re interested in and take charge of your education.
