Computer Software Engineer: Career Information

A computer software engineer specializes in either computer software applications or computer software systems. After analyzing users' needs, computer software engineers design, test, construct and maintain programs to meet them. They design and develop computer and video games, business applications and operating systems.

There were 350,000 computer systems software engineers and 507,000 computer applications software engineers employed in 2006.

Employers who hire computer software engineers usually prefer job candidates with bachelor’s degrees, generally in computer science. One who wants to work as an applications software engineer may alternatively major in software engineering and one who wants to specialize in systems software engineering may choose computer information systems as his or her course of study.

Completion of an internship or a co-op can increase one's chances of getting hired as a computer software engineer.

When starting out in the field, a computer software engineer will probably be involved primarily in testing. With more experience, he or she will begin to design and develop software. Eventually, an experienced computer software engineer may become a project manager, manager of information systems, or chief information officer. Some become systems designers or independent consultants.

Employment opportunities should be excellent for computer software engineers over the next several years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts much faster than average job growth for computer software engineers, compared to all other occupations, through 2016.

In 2007, median annual earnings of computer systems software engineer were $89,070, while computer applications software engineers earned a median annual salary of $83,130.

Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much computer software engineers currently earn in your city.

On a typical day a computer systems software engineer's tasks might include:

• Modifying existing software to correct errors, to adapt it to new hardware or to upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
• Designing and developing software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
• Consulting with engineering staff to evaluate interface between hardware and software, developing specifications and performance requirements and resolving customer problems.
• Developing and directing software system testing and validation procedures.
• Directing software programming and development of documentation.

On a typical day a computer applications software engineer's tasks might include:

• Conferring with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
• Modifying existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.
• Analyzing user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
• Consulting with customers about software system design and maintenance.
• Designing, developing and modifying software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Computer Software Engineer, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos267.htm (visited February 16, 2009).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Computer Applications Software Engineer, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/15-1031.00 and Computer Systems Software Engineer, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/15-1032.00 (visited February 16, 2009).

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