Best Careers in Software Engineering

As the world, and greater society, all travel further down the road of digital expansion, we need digital architects to build the software in which the digital world will so comfortably reside. This mammoth task is left to none other than software engineers. However, the role of a software engineer is not a one-size-fits-all approach where all software engineers can do the same thing.

Instead, there are certain people within the field of software engineering that are inclined either one way or another to focus on specific elements of software development and engineering and others that focus on other tasks. This usually leads to a vast variety of job options that exist within the field of software engineering.

Every company and organization in the world needs a software designer and software engineer to design and implement its digital processes. And since this demand is ever-increasing, you may be considering pursuing a career in this field. This may leave you with some questions such as wondering what the best careers are and their earning potential.

There are multiple careers that exist within the field of software development and software engineering such as web developers, software developers, network engineers, Java developers, data programmers, and much more.

Let us take a closer look at the best careers within the field of software development and what are some of the salaries that accompany these jobs.

What Do Software Engineers Do?

Before you can look at the earning potential of a role, it is best to first look at what the role requires and whether it is something you would like to pursue. For the most part, the straightforward answer is that software engineers create and maintain software that is used on computers, tablets, phones, gaming systems, and every other component that houses any digital interface.

Every game, website, network, and professional and social interface that exists, has been created by a software developer. But the creation isn't where their jobs start and end. As the world develops, so do these software components. Constant enhancements, developments, and improvements are carried out and that is actively done by a software developer too.

While there are varied fields and overarching positions within the field of software engineering, the highest-paying roles are usually found in specialty areas because you have the opportunity to gain experience within your niche and pursue leadership roles.

Once you find a career path within the field of software engineering, you can then investigate the type of degree or qualifications you would need to pursue to obtain such jobs.

Best Jobs For Software Engineers And Developers

Full Stack Developers

In web development and web applications, full-stack developers use their knowledge of data science to develop a holistic web platform for front-end and back-end development. Using technologies and applications, they design all protocols pertaining to a web process and in many cases, they are required to have a bachelor's degree in computer science or computer programming for this job.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), web developers and digital designers earn a median annual salary of $78,300.

Data Scientist

Data scientists play a significant role in organizations across multiple industries to assist the leadership in enhancing and improving internal and external business processes. Their role is heavily rooted in data mining, coding, and collecting data for trend analysis.

The BLS states that data scientists earn a median annual salary of $100,910 and this career expects to see a projected career growth of 36%.

Software Architect

Every program that is designed is meant to fulfill a particular purpose. Software architects work toward developing and implementing plans for specific programs and applications. They bring a digital project to fruition.

Android Engineer Or Developer

As technology becomes more and more advanced, we move closer to the inevitable takeover of robots. While it may just be true in movies, some individuals have their careers dedicated to developing the software that will ultimately operate and function in android devices. In this career, you will be responsible for the designing, coding, and testing of all digital applications pertaining to android users.

Backend Engineer

While you only see what is happening on the front end of a website, a back-end engineer works on the server end of the website to ensure that everything runs smoothly from the operational end of the website platform.

Cloud Engineer

These days, everything exists in the cloud, not just for remote access purposes, but to ensure that valuable data doesn't get lost or damaged through a hardware malfunction. Cloud engineers are responsible for working with organizations in moving their data into the cloud while ensuring that it is safe and protected.

According to the BLS, computer network architects of which cloud engineers are a part, earn a median annual salary of $120,520.

Video Game Designer

Who said that your job needs to be all work and no play? Working in the entertainment and gaming niche of the industry, video game developers have the unique opportunity to create and develop video games for commercial purposes. They also get to work with teams to enhance existing gaming software, and the best part is that they get to take the games on a test drive before it is launched.

According to the BLS, software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers earn a median annual salary of $109,020.

SQA Engineer

A software quality assurance engineer is someone who measures and assesses the quality of software programs within particular organizations. They also assess when and what updates are required, and if any repairs are needed, and they closely assess bug reports to make optimal advancements and developments.

Cyber Security Engineer

Nothing is ever really safe. But as long as you have a cyber security engineer, you can pretty much guarantee that your data is safe. Cyber security engineers are responsible for assessing computer systems and networks to ensure that security is up to scratch. If potential weak points are identified, they devise and implement processes and updates to secure those weak points.

Mobile Application Developer

Every app that you have on your phone at this moment serves a very specific function, whether or not you are actively using it. Mobile application developers have found a need for specific applications, and they developed them to the point of perfection until they landed on your home screen. Now, many companies and organizations have their own applications which optimize functionality.

What Are Some Of The Benefits Of A Software Engineering/Developer Job?

Aside from knowing that there will constantly be an industry demand and long-term need for software developers and engineers, as well as knowing that once you develop software, you are always going to be needed for the maintenance and enhancements of that software, you can also work from anywhere.

This means that remote work is one of the greatest prospects and you have job security with a career that will never be obsolete. That, coupled with the fact that, as seen above, the earning potential is really great makes it a career and industry worth pursuing.

FAQs

What Industry Do Software Engineers Fall Under?

Software engineers fall into the computer, computer science, and IT industries.

What Is The Job Outlook For Software Developers?

The BLS states that the employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers can expect to see a projected growth of 25% over the next ten years between 2021 to 2031, which is substantially higher growth than the average for other careers.

Conclusion

No matter which career you ultimately choose, the field of software engineering is vast, allowing you to follow any path that will most likely lead to a great outcome, long-term success, and enjoyment, especially if you as an individual find joy in all things tech related.

If you are computer savvy and you find joy in creating what others may consider complex programs, then this may be the best field for you. With the right qualifications, you can choose from a plethora of jobs in the field, the above of which is just a few of the best options.