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Career path · Software Development

Build the Software That Powers Everything

Software developers design, build, and maintain the applications and systems behind everything from banking apps to video games. This path suits creative problem-solvers who enjoy building things and learning continuously. Demand remains strong across nearly every industry, because every modern company needs software. With bootcamp, degree, and self-taught routes available, it's one of tech's most accessible and rewarding high-paying careers.

Average US salary
$95,000–$145,000 (BLS median: ~$133,000 for software developers)
5-year job growth
17% (BLS 2023–2033 projection, much faster than average)
Key skills
Programming LanguagesProblem SolvingVersion Control

Why choose this path

  • Earn one of the highest median salaries of any career field nationwide.
  • Choose your route in — degrees, bootcamps, and self-teaching all work here.
  • Work remotely with more flexibility than almost any other profession offers.
  • Create products used by millions and see your ideas come alive.

A day in the life

  • Write and review code for new features alongside your development team.
  • Debug issues, run tests, and ship updates to real users.
  • Collaborate in stand-up meetings to plan sprints and solve blockers.

Where to start

  1. 1B.S. in Computer Science or Software Engineering
  2. 2AWS Certified Developer – Associate
  3. 3Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE Developer

Who’s hiring

GoogleMicrosoftAmazonSalesforceIBM

Employers commonly hiring for this path. Not partners or endorsers of Metacareerguide.

Learn the AI side of this work

Every path in tech now touches AI. MCG Classroom teaches large language models and AI agents from the beginning — free, no coding background needed.

Visit the Classroom All eight career paths