Job Outlook through 2026

Employment Current: 25,130
Employment Projected: 31,790
Percentage Change: 26.5%

Education/Training

Software developers usually have a bachelor’s degree, typically in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. A degree in mathematics is also acceptable. Computer science degree programs are the most common, because they tend to cover a broad range of topics. Students should focus on classes related to building software in order to better prepare themselves for work in the occupation. For some positions, employers may prefer a master’s degree.

Sample Job Titles

• Application Developer
• Application Integration Engineer
• Applications Developer
• Computer Consultant
• Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst)
• Software Architect, Software Developer
• Software Development Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Technical Consultant

Duties

• Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.
• Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
• Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
• Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
• Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.

Skills

• Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
• Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
• 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.
• Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Average Wages in PA

Entry Level: $59,320
Average: $93,670
Experienced: $140,000

Learn More at O*NET Online: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1132.00