Application & Software Developer

What do Application & Software Developers do?

Application and software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. They design computer applications, such as word processors and games, for consumers. They may create custom software for a specific customer or commercial software to be sold to the general public. Some applications and software developers create complex databases for organizations. They also create programs that people use over the internet and within a company’s intranet. Applications and software developers often modify existing software to correct errors, allowing systems to adapt to new hardware or improve performance.  Some may supervise computer programmers.

Average Wage

Experienced Wage

Application and Software Developers:

Analyze users’ needs and then design, test, and develop software to meet those needs
Collaborate with other computer specialists to create optimum software
Design each piece of an application or a system and plan how the pieces will work together
Document every aspect of an application or a system as a reference for future maintenance and upgrades
Recommend software upgrades for customers’ existing programs and systems

Training & Educational Opportunities

The majority of jobs in software development require a bachelor degree in computer science, programming, software engineering, or a related field, along with coursework and applied skills in widely used operating systems and programming languages.

Specialized Skills / Certifications

  • Java
  • .Net
  • MCSD
  • C#
  • C++
  • Agile
  • Project Management
  • Software Testing & Quality Assurance

Training Providers

  • College of DuPage
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • MicroTrain Technologies

A WIOA grant can pay for training.

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Types of Employers

  • Computer systems design services
  • Healthcare providers
  • Insurance providers
  • Software publishers
  • Technology companies

Advancement Opportunities

  • Computer and Information Research Managers
  • Computer and Information Systems Managers
  • Computer Hardware Engineers