Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers.
Sample of reported job titles: Application Developer, Application Integration Engineer, Applications Developer, Computer Consultant, Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst), Software Architect, Software Developer, Software Development Engineer, Software Engineer, Technical Consultant
Essential Skills and Salary Information
National, State, Local Wage & Employment Trends
| Location |
Pay Period |
2014 |
| Low |
Median |
High |
| United States |
Hourly | $27.57 | $47.24 | $73.9 |
| Yearly | $57,340 | $98,260 | $153,710 |
| Pennsylvania |
Hourly | $23.35 | $37.26 | $58.45 |
| Yearly | $48,560 | $77,510 | $121,580 |
| United States |
Employment |
Percent Change |
Projected Annual Job Openings1 |
| 2014 |
2024 |
| Software Developers, Applications | 718,400 | 853,700 | +19% | 23,800 |
| Pennsylvania |
Employment |
Percent Change |
Projected Annual Job Openings1 |
| 2014 |
2024 |
| Software Developers, Applications | 18,070 | 20,790 | +15% | 530 |
Tasks
- Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.
- Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
- Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
- Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
- Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
Tools
- Computer servers — Application servers.
- Integrated circuit testers — In circuit emulators ICE; Logic analyzers.
- Mainframe computers.
- Notebook computers.
- Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers — Personal digital assistants PDA.
Technology
- Data base management system software — Apache Hadoop; Oracle PL/SQL; Structured Query Report SQR; Talend Big Data Integration.
- Development environment software — Adobe Systems Adobe ActionScript; Advanced business application programming ABAP; Apache Maven; C.
- Object or component oriented development software — C++; Oracle Java; Python; Spark.
- Program testing software — Defect tracking software; Hewlett Packard LoadRunner; Source code editor software; Usability testing software.
- Web platform development software — AJAX; Google AngularJS; jQuery; LAMP Stack.
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Skills
- Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
- Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
- Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
- Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Abilities
- Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
- Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Work Activities
- Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Detailed Work Activities
- Manage information technology projects or system activities
- Develop testing routines or procedures
- Develop performance metrics or standards related to information technology
- Monitor computer system performance to ensure proper operation
- Modify software programs to improve performance
Work Context
- Electronic Mail — 100% responded "Every day."
- Spend Time Sitting — 99% responded "Continually or almost continually."
- Face-to-Face Discussions — 87% responded "Every day."
- Work With Work Group or Team — 82% responded "Extremely important."
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 51% responded "Extremely important."
Interests
Interest code: IRC
- Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
- Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Styles
- Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
- Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Work Values
- Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
- Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
- Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
