Software Engineering Salary and Career Info
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Software Engineering - Career Paths
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Software Engineering
Graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Software Engineering degree program will have a well-rounded education of programming, networks, database management, web applications and web development. Their specialty, however, will be in the analyzation, design, testing and development of the software and systems that computers use in order to solve/address specific client needs.
Career titles in the area of Software Engineering include:
- Computer applications software engineer
- Computer systems software engineer
- System Engineer
- Software Developer
- Junior Software Designer
- Junior Software Engineer
- Validation Test Engineer
- Software Tester
- Test Engineer
Career advancement
Software engineers looking to advance in the research area will often find a master or doctoral degree is required. Professionals can also advance by becoming a specialist in a specific software program, earning specific software proficiency certifications, transitioning into management or team lead roles, or becoming a consultant.
Salary Surveys*
While incomes vary depending on experience, employer, and location, the average reported earnings for are listed below, broken into groups based on specialization and then employer type:
Computer Application Software Engineers
Median annual earnings in May 2008 was $85,430. The lowest 25% earned below $67,790 while the highest 25% earned more than $104,870.
- Salary breakdown by employer type:
Software publishers…………………………………………………$89,190
Computer systems design………………………………………$88,780
Professional and Commercial
Equipment and Supplies Wholesalers…………………………$94,060
Management of companies and enterprises…………$86,900
Insurance carriers……………………………………………………$81,670
Computer Systems Software Engineers
Median annual earnings in May 2008 was $92,430. The lowest 25% earned at or below $73,200 while the highest 25% earned over $113,960.
- Salary breakdown by employer type:
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical,
and Control Instruments Manufacturing ………………………$93,360
Scientific research and development services……$103,030
Computer equipment manufacturing……………………$103,180
Software publishers………………………………………………$96,690
Computer systems design……………………………………$94,250
*Information on salaries is taken from the US Department of Labor–Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. Further information can be found at US Department of Labor–Bureau of Labor Statistics web site.
Work environment
Software engineers work at least 40 hours weekly and typically enjoy generous benefits and compensation packages. Professionals in this field should expect to work over 40 hours when needed for emergencies or to meet project deadlines. Additional time will need to be spent keeping current with technological and software and may include studying for specialty certifications.
Computer science professionals work in an office environment and spend a large amount of time sitting at a computer. Therefore, they should take precautions against computer-related ailments such as eyestrain, back pain and carpal tunnel.
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