If you’re interested in getting into software development, the good news is that demand for these positions is growing. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs available in this field is growth expected by 25% by 2032.
To enter the software development industry or advance your career into a new position, you need to know the most common options, their pay rates and day-to-day responsibilities, and the skills needed to handle the workload.
8 vacancies for software engineers
Below are eight of the best jobs for software engineers, from data-intensive roles to creativity-focused roles. Note: This list is in alphabetical order and salaries were obtained from Glassdoor. Pay may vary from company to company.
Data Scientist
Average annual salary: US$157,000
Over the past few years, data science has surpassed CompTIA’s rankings. Technical Staff Status Report as the fastest-growing technology profession, and for good reason. Data scientists play a critical role in almost every industry, including healthcare, urban planning and social media.
Using models and algorithms to explore, analyze and optimize data, their work involves solving problems and communicating results to stakeholders. There are two main paths to becoming a data scientist: obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree or taking training courses.
Skills: Knowledge of programming languages such as Python, R and SQL, as well as skills in machine learning, visualization and data mining are essential. Additionally, soft skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and effective communication are essential to success in this position, especially when working collaboratively in a team.
Cloud Computing Engineer
Average annual salary: US$147,000
The global cloud computing market was worth $495.3 billion in 2022, according to Acumen Research and Consulting. estimated to grow by 17.8% by 2032. Also referred to simply as “cloud engineers,” these highly skilled individuals are responsible for designing, developing, enhancing, and maintaining cloud infrastructure, applications, and storage services.
Cloud engineers typically have a background in computer science, information technology, or an advanced degree in a related field. Knowledge of Google Cloud, Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS) is also required.
Skills: Cloud engineers’ technical skills are based on an understanding of system architecture and automation, as well as a balance of soft skills such as problem solving and communication.
Cyber Security Engineer
Average annual salary: US$162,000
According to recruitment agency Mondo, cybersecurity engineers among the highest paid cyber professionals. They play a critical role in implementing and testing new security features, responding to data breaches, and overall digital threat protection. Typically, people in these positions have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in cybersecurity or, alternatively, earn certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or GIAC Security Essentials.
Skills: Python, JavaScript, SQL, PowerShell and Bash are some of the most common programming languages for cybersecurity professionals. Some soft skills include adaptability, attention to detail, and computer forensics skills.
Machine learning engineer
Average annual salary: US$164,000
As artificial intelligence and machine learning continue to evolve, there is a growing need for people with the skills to develop, train, implement and update automation and artificial intelligence systems. Machine learning engineers dedicate their time to collecting and preparing data, building and refining models, and collaborating across teams to get those models into production. Think: the team behind OpenAI’s GPT-4o.
Skills: This role involves coding languages such as Python – the language of choice in machine learning – or Java and C++, as well as the use of data libraries such as TensorFlow, Microsoft Azure and PyTorch.
DevOps engineer
Average annual salary: US$140,000
A DevOps engineer is a professional who excels in both software development and operations, serving as a liaison between development and IT teams. They create an efficient workflow that allows developers to introduce new features and build applications while ensuring that operations teams maintain the stability of released applications.
This job is usually for people with university degrees, post-graduate degrees, or industry certifications. Microsoft offers a free 9-module self-paced DevOps engineer training course with expert level certification.
Skills: This position requires experience with programming languages, data management, library updates, and security systems. Knowledge of Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) is also required. Strong analytical, problem solving and teamwork skills are required.
Full-stack developer
Average annual salary: US$120,000
To become a full-time developer, you need to do both front-end and back-end web development and take responsibility for designing, building, and maintaining an application or website. This includes using tools like Figma for UX/UI design, as well as APIs and databases for processing and storing site data.
To get work in this field, whether as a freelancer or as a full-time employee, it is important to create a strong portfolio showcasing a variety of client- and server-side projects.
Skills: Full-stack web development regularly uses several programming languages: HTML, CSS and JavaScript for the front-end and C++, Python and Ruby for the back-end. Like cloud engineers, full stack developers also need to be well versed in streaming technologies for internet workloads. Finally, continuous learning and a growth mindset are critical aspects of this role, as they enable developers to understand and fix coding problems when they arise.
Game developer
Average annual salary: US$116,000
The gaming industry is it is predicted to reach $312 billion. by 2027, making it one of the hottest industries on the planet, but for video games to exist, there must also be game developers. These professionals combine elegant user interfaces with game logic, artificial intelligence and creative visual design. They work closely with game designers to turn concepts into code. These developers are refining and refining the gameplay for production day in and day out.
Full Sail University offers video game development programs, but learning the basics of programming on your own or through regular computer science classes is entirely possible with dedication and regular study.
Skills: Game developers must know how to program for consoles, computers, or mobile devices, as well as understand new trends such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and extended reality (ER). Common programming languages in the video game industry are Java, Python, HTML5, and JavaScript.
Mobile Application Developer
Average annual salary: US$117,000
There are over 1 billion active iPhones and over 3 billion active Android devices. Mobile app developers are responsible for products like Safari, Google Chrome, Instagram, TikTok, your cell phone’s calculator, and everything in between. Specifically, they conceptualize, program, debug, maintain, and update platforms ranging from video games to utilities.
Skills: The apps run on either Apple’s own iOS operating system or the open-source Android operating system. The first one is usually written in Swift, and the second one in Java.
Why choose a job in software development?
Software development is a rewarding career choice for several reasons. Just think about it: software is everywhere, from smartphones and smart home appliances to computers, wearables, chatbots, satellites and content management systems. It’s ubiquitous, and someone has to design it, test it, and develop it.
Other reasons to get into software development include:
- This is a fast-paced and complex industry.
- Your experience will be valued all over the world as programming is a universal language.
- Due to the high demand and specialization required for this role, it is one of the most lucrative professions.
Whatever the reason you choose to work in software development, it’s important to prioritize roles that align with your career goals and passions. Whether you have versatile skills, a strong affinity for numbers, a natural affinity for coding, or a passion for video games, it’s important to find a role that suits your strengths.
Keep in mind that the positions we mentioned are typically not entry-level positions as they require years of experience in programming and project management. If you are pursuing such positions, consider gaining relevant experience through internships or adding projects to your portfolio related to this field.
FAQ
What does it take to become a software engineer?
To become a software engineer, it is important to have strong technical skills, such as programming knowledge and a deep understanding of computer systems. Additionally, a passion for problem solving, attention to detail, and patience are important qualities to succeed in this field. While a formal degree is not always necessary for entry-level positions, showcasing your skills through a portfolio filled with relevant projects can be an effective way to demonstrate your qualifications to potential employers or clients.
What is the highest paying job as a software engineer?
Through our research, we found that machine learning engineers are among the highest-paying professions in software development, with an average annual salary of $164,000.