The field of software development is actually a subset of the information technology sector. Software has become king in the world of computing as the capacity of hardware has exploded. Software is the brains behind everything a computer accomplishes. Without software, a computer is nothing but an empty box. Those in the field of software development actually design, create, code, and program the software the works in all kinds of computers. Keep in mind that software now runs on the computer in your washing machine, car, dishwasher, cell phone, and your home computer. It's everywhere.
Job Outlook in Software Development
The software development field is expected to have continued excellent growth over the next decade. A lot of this growth will be fueled by companies needing to increase their software network capabilities as more and more businesses increase their online presence. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that between now and 2018 this field will increase by about 32 percent and add over 295,000 new jobs. There is some expectation for added competition in this career field from other countries like China and India. Those with degrees and experience in the latest technologies will be best prepared to take advantage of the excellent job potential in the field of software development.
High Salary Potential in Software Development
A graduate in software development has great potential to find a great job with a great salary. The average wage for a software applications developer in 2008 was between $67,000 and $104,000 annually. The average wage for a computer programmer in 2008 was between $52,000 and $89,000 annually according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Salaries were very dependent on experience and the educational background of the employee.
Educational Opportunities in the Software Development Field
Colleges and universities are currently offering amazing educational programs in the field of software development. Schools offer certification programs, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degree in the field of software development. Students can also take advantage of excellent online course offerings in the field of software development. This allows students to take courses online on their own time and schedule. You never have to attend courses on campus. Also, those who are already working can continue to work and also obtain a new degree or further education by taking courses online.
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