What does a software developer do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Software developers design, build and maintain computer applications and programs. In the US the typical entry requirement is a bachelor's degree, and no license is required. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median pay of $134,040 per year (May 2025) for the combined group of developers, QA analysts and testers.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 15-1252 (Software Developers) and 15-1253 (Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers) |
| O*NET code | 15-1252.00 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Licensing | None described by BLS |
| Median annual wage | $134,040 per year (May 2025), for software developers, QA analysts and testers combined |
| Projected growth | 10 percent, 2025 to 2035 (combined group) |
| Number of jobs | 1,905,400 (2025, combined group) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a software developer do?
The OOH page covers two related jobs. Software developers analyze what users need, then design and build software to meet those needs. They recommend upgrades to existing programs, plan how application components fit together, create models and diagrams that guide programmers, maintain and test programs, and document systems so others can maintain them.
Software quality assurance (QA) analysts and testers look for problems. They write test plans and scenarios, run manual or automated tests, document defects, flag project risks and give developers feedback on usability and function.
Work environment
BLS counts about 1,717,800 software developer jobs and 187,600 QA analyst and tester jobs in 2025. The largest employers of developers are computer systems design and related services (29 percent), finance and insurance (11 percent) and software publishers (10 percent). The work is collaborative and most people work full time, usually in offices and on teams.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says software developers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field such as engineering or mathematics. Some employers prefer a master's degree for certain roles. BLS notes that internships during college can help and that developers must keep up with new tools and programming languages. The OOH page does not describe a license or required certification. With experience, developers can move into project management or computer and information systems management.
Skills that matter
BLS lists analytical skills, communication, creativity, detail orientation, interpersonal skills and problem-solving as important qualities. O*NET, the US occupational database, ranks critical thinking, active learning, reading comprehension, active listening and writing among the top skills for software developers.
How much does a software developer make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $134,040 (May 2025) for software developers, QA analysts and testers combined. The page also prints figures for each job separately, and the figures are not interchangeable:
| Occupation | Median annual wage (May 2025) | Lowest 10 percent earned | Highest 10 percent earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software developers | $135,980 | Less than $82,460 | More than $214,670 |
| Software QA analysts and testers | $104,300 | Less than $61,440 | More than $167,010 |
Pay varies by employer type and location, so read the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay shows how to read percentiles.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment for the combined group to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the 3 percent average for all occupations, with about 106,100 openings per year on average. For the two jobs separately, BLS projects 10 percent growth for software developers and 6 percent for QA analysts and testers. Most openings come from replacing workers who leave the occupation. BLS points to AI, the Internet of Things, robotics, security software and new products as demand drivers.
How to get hired
- Build proof: two or three projects or contributions you can show and explain, with working code and a short write-up of the problem each solved.
- Match your resume to the posting: name the languages and tools the role asks for, only where you have used them.
- Practice explaining your choices out loud. See interview prep for software engineers.
- If you are moving from another field, use the steps in the career change resume guide.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Computer programmers, computer systems analysts, information security analysts, database administrators and architects, and data scientists.
Frequently asked questions
What degree do I need to be a software developer? BLS says the typical entry-level education is a bachelor's degree, usually in computer and information technology or a related field such as engineering or mathematics. Some employers prefer a master's degree for certain roles.
Do software developers need a license? The BLS page for this occupation does not describe a license or required certification. Employers set their own hiring requirements, so check each posting.
Is software development a growing field? BLS projects 10 percent growth for the combined group from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, with about 106,100 openings per year.
What is the difference between a developer and a QA analyst? Developers design, build and maintain software. QA analysts and testers plan and run tests and report defects. BLS prints separate pay and growth figures for each.
Related guides
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software developers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 15-1252.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1252.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.