What Does it Take to Be a Systems Software Developer?
Systems Software Developer Job Description Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Set operational specifications and formulate and analyze software requirements. May design embedded systems software. Apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.
What Do Systems Software Developers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status.
- Train users to use new or modified equipment.
- Supervise and assign work to programmers, designers, technologists, technicians, or other engineering or scientific personnel.
- Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
- Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
- Specify power supply requirements and configuration.
Things a Systems Software Developer Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Systems Software Developers say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Types of Systems Software Developer
- E-Business Manager
- Beta Tester
- Software Development Engineer
- Software Systems Engineer
- Applications Analyst
What Kind of Systems Software Developer Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 425,000 jobs in the United States for Systems Software Developer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 47,100 new jobs for Systems Software Developer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 32,900 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Systems Software Developer are Nevada, Utah, and Tennessee. Watch out if you plan on working in Idaho, Alaska, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Systems Software Developer Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Systems Software Developers is somewhere between $66,740 and $166,960.
Systems Software Developers who work in California, New Hampshire, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Systems Software Developers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $105,890 |
Alaska | $110,080 |
Arizona | $103,860 |
Arkansas | $85,830 |
California | $131,700 |
Colorado | $124,410 |
Connecticut | $102,440 |
District of Columbia | $115,610 |
Florida | $102,590 |
Georgia | $105,100 |
Hawaii | $97,510 |
Idaho | $97,310 |
Illinois | $108,570 |
Indiana | $90,850 |
Iowa | $91,920 |
Kansas | $94,240 |
Kentucky | $84,300 |
Louisiana | $76,200 |
Maine | $98,580 |
Maryland | $119,860 |
Massachusetts | $117,760 |
Michigan | $88,560 |
Minnesota | $110,460 |
Mississippi | $86,360 |
Missouri | $94,140 |
Montana | $77,560 |
Nebraska | $94,620 |
Nevada | $100,510 |
New Hampshire | $126,790 |
New Jersey | $123,370 |
New Mexico | $94,690 |
New York | $115,120 |
North Carolina | $105,760 |
North Dakota | $75,030 |
Ohio | $101,570 |
Oklahoma | $90,200 |
Oregon | $104,760 |
Pennsylvania | $103,520 |
Rhode Island | $103,930 |
South Carolina | $80,250 |
South Dakota | $90,430 |
Tennessee | $92,700 |
Texas | $110,740 |
Utah | $106,040 |
Vermont | $99,370 |
Virginia | $119,860 |
Washington | $121,250 |
West Virginia | $100,170 |
Wisconsin | $90,660 |
Wyoming | $88,310 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Systems Software Developers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Systems Software Developers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Python
- jQuery
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
How to Become a Systems Software Developer
What education or degrees do I need to become a Systems Software Developer?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Systems Software Developers Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Systems Software Developers employed by various industries.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those who work as a Systems Software Developer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Negative Space via CC0 License
More about our data sources and methodologies.