| Computer Software Engineers |
What would you do if you had no access to a computer for a week. No email, no surfing the internet, no chatting
with friends. Would you go nuts? If your life revolves around a computer, then a career as a computer software
engineer may be right for you. Computer software engineers apply computer science, engineering, and math to
design, develop, and test software. Over the next decade, this occupation is among those expected to grow the
fastest and add the most new jobs.
Nature of the Work
There are two kinds of computer software engineers: computer applications software engineers and computer
systems software engineers. Computer applications software engineers analyze user's needs and design,
construct, and maintain general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. These engineers
use different programming languages such as C, C++, and Java.
Computer systems software engineers oversee the construction, maintenance, and expansion of an organization's
computer systems. They may coordinate each department's computer needs and make suggerstions about its
technical direction. Also, they may set up the company's intranets - networks that link computers within the company
and simplify communication between departments.
Systems software engineers also work for companies that configure, implement, and install the computer systems of
other organizations. They may also be members of the marketing or sales staff, and may help with sales and
provide customers with technical support. Furthermore, systems software engineers are responsible for maintaining
security across the systems they are configuring.
Work Environment
Computer software engineers usually work in clean, comfortable offices or in laboratories where computer
equipment is stored. Those who work for software vendors and consulting firms often travel overnight to meet with
customers.
Most engineers work at least 40 hours a week, but approximately 17 percent work more than 50 hours a week.
They may also be required to work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines or solve unexpected technical
problems.
Education and training
Most employers prefer applicants who have at least a bachelor's degree and a broad knowledge (and experience
with) a variety of computer systems and technologies. The usual college major for applications software engineers
is computer science or computer information systems. In 2006, approximately 80 percent of workers had at least a
bachelor's degree. And with computer security becoming a bigger issue, software engineers with advanced degrees
in areas such as mathematics and systems design will be sought after by software developers, government
agencies, and consulting firms.
Students seeking jobs can also increase their chances by participating in internships or co-ops. These experiences
provide students with broad knowledge and experience, making them more attractive to employers.
Advancement in computer software engineering increases with experience. Entry-level computer software
engineers are likely to test designs. With more experience, engineers may begin to help design and develop
software. Eventually, they may become project managers, managers of information systems, or chief information
officers, especially if they have business skills and training.
Employment
Computer software engineers held roughly 857,000 jobs in 2006. Approximately 507,000 were computer
applications software engineers, and 350,000 were computer systems software engineers. Aside from working in
computer systems design and related services, engineers also work in a wide range of industries such as
government agencies, financial institutions, and insurance providers.
Job Outlook
During the next decade, jobs are expected to increase by 38 percent in this field, which is much faster than the
average for all occupations. In raw numbers, this increase translates to 324,000 new jobs, making it one of the
largest employment increases of any field.
What will cause all these job increases you say? Evolving Internet technologies will create demand for engineers
who can develop Internet, intranet, and World Wide Web applications. Also, electronic data-processing systems in
business, telecommunications, government, and other settings continue to become more sophisticated and complex.
Implementing, safeguarding, and updating computer systems and resolving problems will fuel the demand for
growing numbers of systems software engineers. In addtion, information security concerns have given rise to new
software needs as businesses and governments continue to invest heavily in software to protect their networks and
electronic infrastructure.
Earnings
In May 2006, the median annual earnings of computer applications software engineers were $79, 780. The middle
50 percent earned between $62,830 and &98,470. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $49,350, and the top
10 percent earned more than $119,770. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of
computer applications software engineers in May 2006 were:
Median annual earnings for computer systems software engineers during the same time period were $85,370. The
middle 50 percent earned between $67,620 and $105,330. The bottom 10 percent earned below $53,580, and the
top 10 percent earned more than $125,750. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest
numbers of computer systems software engineers in May 2006 were:
with friends. Would you go nuts? If your life revolves around a computer, then a career as a computer software
engineer may be right for you. Computer software engineers apply computer science, engineering, and math to
design, develop, and test software. Over the next decade, this occupation is among those expected to grow the
fastest and add the most new jobs.
Nature of the Work
There are two kinds of computer software engineers: computer applications software engineers and computer
systems software engineers. Computer applications software engineers analyze user's needs and design,
construct, and maintain general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. These engineers
use different programming languages such as C, C++, and Java.
Computer systems software engineers oversee the construction, maintenance, and expansion of an organization's
computer systems. They may coordinate each department's computer needs and make suggerstions about its
technical direction. Also, they may set up the company's intranets - networks that link computers within the company
and simplify communication between departments.
Systems software engineers also work for companies that configure, implement, and install the computer systems of
other organizations. They may also be members of the marketing or sales staff, and may help with sales and
provide customers with technical support. Furthermore, systems software engineers are responsible for maintaining
security across the systems they are configuring.
Work Environment
Computer software engineers usually work in clean, comfortable offices or in laboratories where computer
equipment is stored. Those who work for software vendors and consulting firms often travel overnight to meet with
customers.
Most engineers work at least 40 hours a week, but approximately 17 percent work more than 50 hours a week.
They may also be required to work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines or solve unexpected technical
problems.
Education and training
Most employers prefer applicants who have at least a bachelor's degree and a broad knowledge (and experience
with) a variety of computer systems and technologies. The usual college major for applications software engineers
is computer science or computer information systems. In 2006, approximately 80 percent of workers had at least a
bachelor's degree. And with computer security becoming a bigger issue, software engineers with advanced degrees
in areas such as mathematics and systems design will be sought after by software developers, government
agencies, and consulting firms.
Students seeking jobs can also increase their chances by participating in internships or co-ops. These experiences
provide students with broad knowledge and experience, making them more attractive to employers.
Advancement in computer software engineering increases with experience. Entry-level computer software
engineers are likely to test designs. With more experience, engineers may begin to help design and develop
software. Eventually, they may become project managers, managers of information systems, or chief information
officers, especially if they have business skills and training.
Employment
Computer software engineers held roughly 857,000 jobs in 2006. Approximately 507,000 were computer
applications software engineers, and 350,000 were computer systems software engineers. Aside from working in
computer systems design and related services, engineers also work in a wide range of industries such as
government agencies, financial institutions, and insurance providers.
Job Outlook
During the next decade, jobs are expected to increase by 38 percent in this field, which is much faster than the
average for all occupations. In raw numbers, this increase translates to 324,000 new jobs, making it one of the
largest employment increases of any field.
What will cause all these job increases you say? Evolving Internet technologies will create demand for engineers
who can develop Internet, intranet, and World Wide Web applications. Also, electronic data-processing systems in
business, telecommunications, government, and other settings continue to become more sophisticated and complex.
Implementing, safeguarding, and updating computer systems and resolving problems will fuel the demand for
growing numbers of systems software engineers. In addtion, information security concerns have given rise to new
software needs as businesses and governments continue to invest heavily in software to protect their networks and
electronic infrastructure.
Earnings
In May 2006, the median annual earnings of computer applications software engineers were $79, 780. The middle
50 percent earned between $62,830 and &98,470. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $49,350, and the top
10 percent earned more than $119,770. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of
computer applications software engineers in May 2006 were:
Median annual earnings for computer systems software engineers during the same time period were $85,370. The
middle 50 percent earned between $67,620 and $105,330. The bottom 10 percent earned below $53,580, and the
top 10 percent earned more than $125,750. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest
numbers of computer systems software engineers in May 2006 were:
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