Becoming a software developer is a very wise decision in today’s economy. A software developer salary is very competitive when compared to other jobs in the IT market. New applications and software are needed to meet the growing technological demands of users. With the development of smart phones, applications are needed to make mobile computing easier and more convenient. Computers are getting smarter and the programs needed to run them are becoming very sophisticated. Software to seamless blend the computer and mobile experience is needed now more than ever. New ground is being broken almost every day by innovative and creative software developers and engineers. The question of how to become a software developer is answered by the need for at least a bachelor degree, with many software developers going on to earn their masters and doctorates. A software developer salary is very high compared to other job markets.
So how much is a software developer salary and how much can you expect to make if you choose this career? Like all jobs, the higher your education, the higher salary you can demand. According to Payscale.com a software developer or engineer can expect to make from $40,751 to $92,182 annually. This may vary according to the area of the country you live in and the specialty you choose. Graduates with a Bachelor’s degree can expect to earn an average of $64,000 a year. Graduates with a Master’s degree can expect an annual income of $65,000 with many making well above $75,000.
Depending on the company you work for and the experience you have you may make more or less than these figures. Many times the larger companies can offer you a higher software developer salary and a more lucrative bonus package, but you may want to start with a smaller company that gives you more of a challenge and responsibility, and grow with it as it becomes more successful. The choice is yours. Here is a sample of salaries according to PayScale.com:
- IBM – $53,355 – $108,616
- Hewlett-Packard – $50,000 – $110,000
- Microsoft – $49,132 – $120,000
- Cisco – $67,982 – $97,478
- Lockheed Martin – $43,915 – $81,659
As you can see, the decision to become a software developer can be a very profitable one. If you like and understand math, enjoy a challenge and want to help develop the face of the future, you may want to explore how to become a software developer.
