Software Developers, Applications
(SOC 15-1132)

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Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers.

Sample of reported job titles: Software Engineer, Application Integration Engineer, Programmer Analyst, Software Development Engineer, Computer Consultant, Software Architect, Software Developer, Technical Consultant, Applications Developer, Business Systems Analyst

Job Responsibilities

• Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.
• Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation.
• Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
• Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
• Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
• Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
• Consult with customers about software system design and maintenance.
• Supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians and other engineering and scientific personnel.
• Coordinate software system installation and monitor equipment functioning to ensure specifications are met.
• Obtain and evaluate information on factors such as reporting formats required, costs, and security needs to determine hardware configuration.

New Hampshire Outlook

• Average Hourly Wage*: $45.52
• Estimated Employment 2010: 4,761
• Projected Employment 2020: 5,990
• Expected 10-Year Growth: 25.8%
• Projected Average Annual Openings: 173

Top industries in NH for this occupation:

• Computer Systems Design and Related Services
• Financial Investment and Related Activities
• Publishing Industries
• Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods
• Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
• Insurance Carriers and Related Activities

Education and Training

Software Developers usually have at least a four-year college degree in a computer-related field. While work experience and on-the-job training are not a requirement, applicants with experience and strong computer programming abilities are preferred. The ability to stay up-to-date with new developments in the field is also a valuable skill. Knowledge of the industry for which software is being developed is another asset.

There is no professional licensing requirement for this occupation in New Hampshire. Many Software Developers continually pursue knowledge of technological advances through classes and training programs.

Interests (Holland Code): IRC

• Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Career Cluster: Information Technology

Work Environment
Many software developers work for computer systems design and related services firms or software publishers. Others work in computer and electronic product manufacturing industries. Most work full time, and nearly one-fourth worked more than 40 hours per week in 2010.

Additional Information Sources**
IEEE Computer Society
<www.computer.org/portal/web/guest/contact>

To Find a Job
Contact the nearest NH Employment Security office or go online to www.nhes.nh.gov

* New Hampshire Occupational Employment and Wages, September 2012. Wage estimates based on surveys through May 2011, adjusted to June 2012.
** Inclusion of this information is intended to provide a convenient resource for research, but in no way constitutes an endorsement for any organization; nor is the list all-inclusive.

Source:
NH Employment Projections, base year 2010 to projected year 2020
Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010, Bureau of Labor Statistics

For more information:
Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau
(603) 228-4124
elmi@nhes.nh.gov