Is a Career as a Software Developers Right for You?
Software Developers at a Glance
- O*NET-SOC Code
- 15-1252.00
- Holland Code
- ICR
- Typical Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
What Does a Software Developers 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Salary and Job Outlook
Verified salary and job-growth data for this occupation aren't published on this page yet, we only show figures we can cite to a real source (PRD methodology: O*NET/BLS).
Is Your Personality a Fit?
People who thrive as a Software Developers tend to score high in Investigative, Conventional, Realistic interests. Take the free career test to see how your own results compare.
Take the free career test to see if you matchHow to Become a Software Developers
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Related Careers
FAQ
What does a Software Developers do day-to-day?
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.
What education do I need to become a Software Developers?
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Is a Software Developers a good personality fit for me?
It depends on your interests: Software Developerss tend to score high in Investigative, Conventional, Realistic. Take the free career test to see your own match.
Occupation data from the O*NET O*NET 30.3 Database (retrieved 2026-07-21), U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.