Software Engineer

Software Engineers develop computer systems and applications.

Significant advances in computer networking and the proliferation of emerging mobile and web-based technologies are spurring increased demand for software engineers. The U.S. Labor Department predicts the software engineer and software developer job market to grow by 30% from 2010 to 2020, adding nearly 300,000 new positions and placing it among the nation's fastest growing careers.

Software engineers design, develop, test and optimize the computer programs we use every day, e.g., business apps, operating systems, video games, network control systems & social networks. Software engineers are typically divided into two classifications: Applications Software Engineers and Systems Software Engineers.

Applications software engineers analyze an end-user's computing needs and develop a custom computer application to meet those needs. They utilize a range of programming languages depending on the program's parameters and the platform on which the program runs. Programming languages commonly used by applications software engineers include Java, C, C++, PHP, Perl & Python. Mobile application developers are specialized applications software engineers who develop apps for smartphones and tablets.

Systems software engineers coordinate the construction, maintenance and expansion of an organization's internal computer systems. They organize the computing needs of each department, e.g., sales, inventory, billing & payroll, and control the technical direction of the computer system's development. Systems software engineers may also be responsible for developing an organization's intranet and ensuring data assurance & software systems security.

Universities, colleges and private IT schools offer a range of software engineering courses & accredited degrees in systems and applications software development. Compare the top-rated software engineer training programs in the U.S., Canada and online.

a.k.a. Computer Software Designer | Applications Software Engineer | Systems Software Engineer | Software Developer

Software Engineer Training

Software Engineer Skills & Responsibilities

Typical day-to-day activities and in-demand skill sets for software engineers may include the following:

• Software engineers analyze end-users' needs and develop software solutions within time and cost constraints.
• Software engineers are fluent in object-oriented programming languages such as Java, C, C++, Perl & Python.
• Software engineers program, test, debug, monitor and document changes to computer systems & applications.
• Specialized software engineers, known as mobile app developers, create applications for smartphones & tablets.
• Systems software engineers examine departmental goals and develop custom computer systems for organizations.
• Systems software engineers develop can a corporate intranet to help streamline interdepartmental communication.
• Applications software engineers upgrade existing computer programs to updated platforms with new specifications.
• Software engineers recommend changes and enhancements to existing software systems and computer applications.
• Software engineers coordinate system installation and monitor equipment functioning to ensure project specs are met.
• Software engineers are responsible for system security and data assurance across the systems that they're developing.

[Top]

Software Engineer Salary

• Average software engineer salary (USA): $90,000

Average starting salaries for software engineers and related positions:

• Software QA Engineer salary: $77,000
• C++ Software Developer salary: $83,000
• Software Engineer salary: $90,000
• Applications Software Engineer salary: $91,000
• Systems Software Engineer salary: $91,000
• PHP Software Engineer salary: $91,000
• Firmware Engineer salary: $92,000
• Perl Software Engineer salary: $93,000
• Mobile Application Developer salary: $94,000
• Python Software Engineer salary: $94,000
• Ruby on Rails Software Developer salary: $94,000
• Java Software Engineer salary: $95,000
• Objective-C Software Engineer salary: $96,000
• Senior Software Engineer salary: $96,000
• Android Software Engineer salary: $96,000
• Lead Software Engineer salary: $98,000
• Web UI Software Developer salary: 104,000
• Principal Software Engineer salary: $104,000
• Senior Java Software Engineer salary: $109,000

Top five best paying U.S. cities for software engineers:

• El Centro, California | Salary: $128,000
• Haverhill, Massachusetts | Salary: $126,000
• Dalton, Georgia | Salary: $117,000
• San Jose, California | Salary: $116,000
• Punta Gorda, Florida | Salary: $112,000

The hourly wage for software engineers ranges from $20 to $140 per hour, depending on the individual's location, experience and proficiency in/marketability of known programming languages.

Explore a deep dive comparison of software engineer salary ranges.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2012 - 2013 • Indeed.com

[Top]

Software Engineer Education Requirements

Most employers require software engineers to hold at least a bachelor degree in software engineering, software development, computer programming, computer science or a similar programming-centric field of study. Hiring managers for software engineering positions may also require a portfolio with documented samples or live links to your best applications and software development projects.

Marketable skills to look for in a software engineer education program include object-oriented programming in Java, C, Objective-C, C++, Perl & Python, user-interface (UI) design, human-computer interaction, web development, project management, network & database fundamentals, systems analysis, game development, interpersonal communication and technical writing. The subject matter in software engineer training programs works very well in the online learning format.

Research and compare the top-rated software engineer training programs·online and your area.

[Top]

Software Engineer Training, Certificates & Degrees

Browse the top-rated undergrad & graduate degrees, professional certificates, online programs and self-paced training courses matching the software engineer education requirements and career path.

Computer School	Software Engineer Training	Program Highlights & Certifications
Request More Info	A.A.S. IT Application Development Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Associate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Design & Develop Graphical User Interface-Based (GUI) Applications in Visual Studio Use C# Programming to Develop Software Applications that Solve Business Problems Learn how to Analyze, Design & Implement Software Engineering Solutions using Java Develop Object-Oriented VB .Net Programs that Interact with the Corporate Database Application Developer Portfolio Assembly Custom Core IT Curriculum and Electives Kaplan University Job Placement Services Online Courses & Degrees Begin Year Round
Request More Info	B.S. Mobile Application Development Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Learn the Programming, Business & Creative Skills to Become a Mobile App Developer iPhone Application Development Training Android Application Development Training Mobile Game and Simulation Programming User Interface (UI) and Usability Testing Mobile Application Design & Art Direction Mobile Apps Deployment and Distribution Mobile App Business & Marketing Strategy Mobile Developer Portfolio & Resume Review Java, Objective-C, MySQL & PHP Programming 2012 Award-Winning Online Learning Platform Online Courses & Degrees Begin Year Round
Request More Info	B.S.I.T. Software Systems Engineering Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Enterprise Software Systems Engineering Harness the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to Solve Complex Business Problems Computer Networks and the Role of Network Management Software in Organizations Study Human-Computer Interaction, Usability Principles & Advanced User-Interface Design Software Testing Skills: Unit, Operational, Integration, Usability, Stress & System Testing Master One or More OOP Programming Languages: Java, C++, C# or Visual Basic Database Design and Development Training Software Engineering IT Project Management Design and Create Enterprise Architectures Award-Winning Online Learning Platform Online Courses & Degrees Begin Year Round
Request More Info	B.S.I.T. Software Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Includes Certification Prep & Exams for: Oracle OCA & OCP: Java SE 7 Programmer CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ & Project+ Six (6) CIW Certificates including Perl, Web Foundations, Web Design, JavaScript, Database Design & Web Development Seven (7) Microsoft MTA Certificates in Windows, Server, Networks, Databases, Security, Web & Software Development Software Systems & Application Development Java, Perl, Objective-C and C++ Programming Develop Sites in HTML, PHP, CSS & JavaScript Systems Administration and Security Training Software Dev Team Management/Leadership Effective Oral & Written Communication Skills Technical Writing for Software Development Option to Create Custom Online Semesters
Request More Info	A.A.I.T. Programming Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Associate Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Beginner through Advanced Object-Oriented Programming featuring Hands-On Lessons in C, C#, C++ and Java/J2EE App Development Learn to Develop Dynamic Websites using HTML5, CSS3, DHTML, PHP and JavaScript Utilize Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Flash to Manipulate Digital Images and Create Rich Media Web Pages and Applications Online, Campus & Blended Learning Formats Targeted 6-Week Courses Begin Year Round
Request More Info	Master of Computer Science in Software Engineering Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Master Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes Prerequisite: Bachelors Degree	Learn to Analyze & Solve Business Problems with Strategic Software Engineering Solutions Examine Emerging Technology Trends inc. Cloud-Computing & Mobile Device Integration Software Engineering Team Management Advanced UI Design and Software Usability Graduate-Level Java Programming Course Examine Networking and OS Fundamentals Study Database Concepts and Capabilities Software Application Planning and Strategy CTU Virtual Campus won Computerworld Honors "Best of the Best" Academia Award Online Courses & Degrees Begin Year Round
Request More Info	B.S.I.T. Software Application Programming Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Develop Innovative Software Applications Based on Analysis of End-Users' Goals Computer Networks and the Role of Network Management Software in Organizations Advanced Java Application Programming User Interface Design & Usability Testing Develop Captivating Web Applications Examination of Object Oriented Methods Computer Application Security Assurance Software App Team Project Management Intro to PC and Mobile Operating Systems Database Design and Management Training Develop a Requirements Traceability Matrix Award-Winning Online Learning Platform Online Courses & Degrees Begin Year Round
Request More Info	B.S.I.T. Mobile Computing Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited Program: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Learn the Skills & Technical Competencies to Become a Mobile Application Developer Java Programming Training for Blackberry and Android Application Development Learn Objective-C Programming for iOS Application Development (iPhone & iPad) Mobile Database Administration Training Mobile Operating System Administration Build Basic .Net Framework Apps in C# Mobile App Developer Portfolio Assembly Acclaimed Core IT Curriculum & Electives Kaplan University Job Placement Services Online Courses & Degrees Begin Year Round
Request More Info	B.S. Game & Simulation Programming Method: Online or On-Campus Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited College: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Provides the Skills & Connections to Pursue a Range of Game/Simulation Development Jobs DeVry Partners with Gaming Industry Giants like Vivendi / Universal to Provide Real-World Learning Opportunities & Networking Contacts! Mastery of Game & Simulation Programming Skills, Design Principles and Software Methods Develop Video Games, Corporate Training Software, Crime Scene Reconstructions & More Practical Game Design w/ Hands-On Labs Artificial Intelligence Methods & Techniques Game Physics Engine Development Training Mobile Device Game Development Training Learn Effective Solutions to Collision Detection Select Online, Classroom or Blended Learning

Find Software Development Schools

Choose a Subject:
Software Development Software Engineering Web Development Web Design Training Mobile App Development Computer Science Computer Programming .NET Programming AJAX Programming ASP Active Server Page C and C++ and C Sharp Cascading Style Sheets CSS Certified Internet Webmaster CIW ColdFusion Training Computer Game Programming HTML Training Java Programming JavaScript Programming PHP Training Microsoft Visual Studio VB Visual Basic WebSphere Training XML eXtensible Markup Language Video Game Programming Mobile App Development C Programming (C C++ C#) Java Programming Game Art and Design 3D Computer Animation Computer Graphics Multimedia Design Visual Effects Autodesk Maya Graphic Design Computer Animation Computer Graphics Game Art and Design Multimedia Design Visual Effects Web Development Web Design Training AutoCAD 3D Drafting Adobe CS Applications Information Technology General Engineering Computer Programming Database Technologies Network Administration Information Security IT Help Desk Support Computer Systems Analyst Project Management Technology Management Health Information Technology Business Administration Accounting Programs Communications and Media Criminal Justice and Legal Culinary Arts Education and Teaching Entrepreneurship Finance Training Healthcare and Nursing High School and GED Programs Liberal Arts Programs Marketing and Advertising Math and Science Project Management Psychology Programs Vocational and Trade

Degree:
All Levels Certificate Programs Diploma Programs Undergraduate Degrees Associate Degrees Bachelor Degrees Graduate Degrees Master Degrees Post-Graduate Degrees Doctoral Degrees

Zip Code:

Learning Format:
Campus or Online Online Campus

[Top]

Software Engineer Certifications

Highly desirable certifications for software engineers may include the following:

• Oracle Certified Associate (OCA): Java SE 7 Programmer
• Oracle Certified Professional (OCP): Java SE 7 Programmer
• Oracle Certified Professional (OCP): Java ME 1 Mobile Application Developer
• CIW Perl Specialist
• CIW Web Foundations Associate
• CIW Web Design Specialist
• CIW JavaScript Specialist
• CIW Database Design Specialist
• CIW Web Development Professional

Software Engineer Certification Prep

[Top]

Software Engineer Jobs

Your software engineering education & experience qualifies you for a variety of in-demand positions including:

• Software Engineer:Browse and apply to software engineer jobs
• Systems Software Engineer:Browse and apply to systems software engineer jobs
• Applications Software Engineer:Browse and apply to applications software engineer jobs
• Application Developer:Browse and apply to application developer job openings
• Web Application Developer:Browse and apply to web application developer jobs
• Mobile Application Developer:Browse and apply to mobile application developer jobs
• Java Application Developer:Browse and apply to Java application developer jobs
• Python Software Engineer:Browse and apply to Python developer and engineer jobs
• C++ Software Engineer:Browse and apply to C++ software engineer job openings
• PHP Software Engineer:Browse and apply to PHP developer and engineer jobs
• Perl Software Engineer:Browse and apply to Perl developer and engineer jobs
• Ruby on Rails Software Engineer:Browse and apply to ROR software engineer jobs
• Objective-C Developer:Browse and apply to Objective-C developer job openings
• Businesses & Hiring Managers:Post jobs and find candidates at a discount

Search Jobs

[Top]

Software Engineer Job Outlook

Employment for software engineers is expected to increase by 30% from 2010 through 2020, placing it among the nation's fastest growing career paths. Demand for software engineers will rise along with technological advancements in computer networking, for example, the increased adoption of virtualization strategies will create demand for applications software engineers who can develop effective and secure web- and cloud-based programs. Likewise, as the increased sophistication and adoption of electronic data-processing systems in business, government, health care, telecommunications and other industries continues to rise, the responsibilities of implementing, safeguarding and updating these systems will fuel demand for systems software engineers for years to come.

Proliferation of wireless and mobile technologies will play a big part in job market growth for software engineers. As mobile devices continue to become increasingly capable and accessible, the demand for new and innovative mobile apps – and talented software engineers to develop them – will continue to rise. Mobile application development represents one of the largest skills gaps in the global job market, meaning there are currently more mobile software development job opportunities than skilled developers to fill them. Also, as smart-phones and tablets continue to become an integral tool in the business environment, software engineers will be required to integrate existing computer systems with emerging mobile technologies.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-2013 Occupational Outlook Handbook (BLS.GOV)

[Top]

Software Engineer Related Careers

• Mobile Application Developer
• Computer Programmer
• Video Game Designer
• Web Developer
• IT Security Specialist
• Database Administrator
• Network Administrator

[Top]