Software Developers

Information Technology In demand
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 a software developer does

Become a software developer

If you enjoy doing these activities, you might make a good software developer

  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
  • Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.

Discover what you could earn in Washington

  • Average hourly rate is $73 per hour with an average salary of $152,000 per year.
  • Half of workers earn between $58 and $86 per hour.
  • Half of workers earn an annual salary between $120,100 and $178,800 per year.

Software Developer job outlook

  • There are 91,205 workers in this occupation in Washington.
  • There are 16,170 openings per year in this occupation in Washington.

Growth rate by year

Education needed

Data is currently unavailable.

Programs to get you there

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