Software Engineer Salary
The software engineer salary is currently among the highest paychecks that one would ever receive in the IT industry.
Without a doubt, its fat amount has drawn the attention of interested individuals who are looking for a career that is both enjoyable and financially rewarding.
At approximately $73,800 per year, a licensed software engineer holds one of the highest-paying jobs in the industry today. This amount, however, is just the median salary and is not yet the upper end. One can earn as much as $130,000 in software engineer salary per year. Indeed, there’s a good reason why most individuals would try to make a career out of this field.
There are several factors that help suggest the rate of the software engineer salary. Although most of them are applicant-based, others are simply brought about by the market dynamics. It is necessary to know such aspects of employment so that we can have a better understanding of how the software engineer salary is being determined.
Education
As with any other courses, a four-year bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering helps the graduates in securing entry-level positions in various work settings. Most employers prefer applicants who have strong educational background. They want to make sure that they only hire people who are equipped with the right knowledge and skills to perform the duties of the job.
Apparently, those who have taken the master’s degree have better chances of getting a higher amount of software engineer salary. Advancing in studies creates more job opportunities for an individual. He can secure managerial positions or take on special duties that require his expertise. Those who have an M.A. degree can expect a software engineer salary of up to $130,000 per year.
Specialization
There are at least 10 known subdisciplines in Software Engineering. Each of them features a more serious take on a particular aspect of the field. However, specialization is just an option for those who want to become more profitable in what they know best. Just like a graduate of a master’s degree, a person who studied a specialty course is often entitled to a higher software engineer salary simply because his work involves a little complexity.
Some of the popular specialties in Software Engineering include Development, Testing, Design and Maintenance. Professionals are rather identified by their specialties. For example, those who are involved in the creation of software using the programming languages are called developers; testers for those who perform software testing procedures, etc.
License or Certification
There are several regions that adopt the certification procedures for aspiring software engineers. Although graduates of the course may still be employed right away in entry-level jobs, being certified for the profession has now become a basis for evaluating the potential of an applicant. Hence, it is more likely that a certified professional gets a higher software engineer salary than the average graduate.
Certifications for software engineering are typically given by institutes and organizations. They are the ones who set standards for the profession. Most of the time, the examinations are centered on specific technologies that are being used in software engineering. The importance of passing the certification exams lies on the fact that it helps the graduates in increasing their marketability as well as their future paychecks.
Employer
The kind of employer is another factor that helps determine the amount of software engineer salary that a professional can expect to receive. This is because the duties and responsibilities can be more or less difficult in one place than in another.
Depending on the work schedule and workload, self-employed software engineers can have higher or lower salary ranges compared to those who are working for companies and non-profit organizations. However, only the company-employed professionals have the advantage of receiving bonuses and other similar form of compensation.
Location
The amount of software engineer salary greatly varies by region, state and city. Basically, there are places wherein the paycheck is relatively higher or lower than in the others regardless of one’s educational attainment and years of experience. It can be that they have a higher or a very little demand for the workers.
Currently, the city of San Jose in California holds the title of having the highest range of software engineer salary in the US. Since 2010, it has remained the top employer offering the most attractive compensation package for software engineers. The lowest pay in San Jose would be around $79,000 per year, while the highest is set at $136,040 as of this writing.
It was San Jose’s dedicated IT economy that earned the city the moniker “Silicon Valley”. It basically thrives in an environment full of computer and micro processing companies, which is the reason why it needs plenty of competitive individuals to fill the job vacancies. Because of its above-average software engineer salary, this California city becomes a dream place for aspiring professionals.
How To Become a Software Engineer
Computer software engineering is a vast field that includes software programming, system testing, hardware administrating, and network specializing. Hence, the software engineer job description cannot be fixed to just one description. Software engineer jobs are ideal for people who like mathematics and logic because this job requires an extensive understanding of computer software, hardware, and network devices.
If you want to know how to become a software engineer, you should take up courses in science, mathematics, computer, and language arts. These courses will enhance your skills in problem solving, reading comprehension, and critical thinking. You should also search for a degree program that involves practice and theory. Make sure to choose one that is handled by good instructors and has an up-to-date curriculum.
Aside from obtaining a degree in computer science or software engineering, you should also acquire certifications from various professional organizations. Graduates with additional certification from recognized training institutes are preferred by most employees. Make sure to focus on programming, computer systems, web technologies, and information architecture. Being experienced in these areas will give you an advantage over your competitors.
It would also be helpful if you will work as an intern in an industry that you prefer. For instance, if you want to know how to become a software engineer that tests computer programs, you should find a company that specializes on this area. If you are interested in computer programming, you should find a company that builds and designs software as well as write and develop codes. If you want to become a system administrator, you should find a company that specializes on computer hardware.
Try to attend as many engineering events and job fairs as possible. Look at job postings on message boards and online. You may also want to try industries such as aerospace and healthcare; the employers would hire you if you already have knowledge on these areas. Do not expect to obtain a high position right away. Just like with any other career, you would start at the bottom and work your way to the top.
A software engineer salary is typically around $60,000 to $125,000 per year. However, in order for you to become successful, you should be able to meet deadlines and work under pressure. It is also very important to possess strong analytical skills and good teamwork ethics. Be meticulous with details and sharpen your communication skills. Keep in mind that this field takes practical skills and innovation. So, you should be creative and innovative.
Conquering Software Engineer Interview Questions
You came with your killer resume, and even saw your future career in that company, but are you sure you can conquer all the questions in your interview? Well, like any other job interview, you must be well prepared for the software engineer interview questions. As a software engineer, the interviewer expects that you are very familiar with C, C++, Java, .NET, Python, WebSphere, BEA WebLogic, JSP, JavaScript, MySQL, SQL Server, ASP, JSP, PHP, Oracle, UNIX, Linux, and other common IT software and system knowledge, so you have to be very technical in answering the interviewer. Of course, the basic job interview questions are still included, such as What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? Have you experience working on a group project?, and Tell us about yourself. just to have an idea of what kind of person you are.
Typical software engineer interview questions are very technical and logical in nature. It could be as simple as Give a one-line C expression to test whether a number is a power of 2, and as difficult as Given an eight-bit bitmap graphics file, devise an algorithm to convert the file into a two-bit ASCII approximation. So prior to the job interview, it is better if you practice answering programming problems and anticipate difficult questions as possible.
A technical interview, as they call it, is the most heart-pounding part of their job application for many software engineer aspirants. At this part, applicants have to answer an IT problem given by the interviewer. Questions might be challenging especially for those who have never been into a technical interview. But most of the time, interviewers stay on the room and observe how you answer it while coping up with the tension around you.
It’s a very stressful moment for the aspirants, but that’s the real test of the interviewers for you. They just want to see how you come up with the pressure while working. To cope up with this situation, one solution is to say all the possible answers to the question. As you explain each of the possible solutions, you are also having the chance of showcasing your skills and knowledge, as well as impressing the interviewer on how you consider and eliminate those possible answers with all the explanation and programming techniques that you discuss articulately. With these, you can get rid of the anxiety unconsciously and enables you to think efficiently,
Above all, confidence and being prepared are the best weapons to conquer the software engineer interview questions. Besides, based on HR Reported data as of September 2011, the usual software engineer salary in the United States is $58,237. The stress and anxiety you had is all worth it.
Senior Software Engineer Careers
Before you become a senior software engineer, you should learn about the vast field of computer software engineering. The software engineer job description may vary depending on the area of specialty. It may pertain to software programming, system testing, network specializing, and hardware administrating among many others. Every one of these areas requires advanced studies as well as hands-on experience.
To become a software engineer, you should possess knowledge in logic and mathematics. You should have good problem solving skills. You should be able to decipher codes and algorithms. You should also have an extensive understanding on computer software and hardware as well as other network devices. Of course, you should also possess a degree in computer science, management information systems, or any other related courses.
Also, before you become a software engineer and eventually a senior software engineer, you should start as an intern. Most companies prefer those with work experience; it is very rare for companies to hire fresh graduates who have not handled any projects yet. Go to job fairs, look at newspaper ads, and search online for internship opportunities. You may also want to work on independent side projects such as freeware programs to boost your portfolio.
As stated above, computer software engineering is a vast field. It is actually about different areas of specialty. For instance, if you choose to become a software test engineer, you should be prepared to test programs and validate systems. You may, nonetheless, choose from a variety of industries including electronics, manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive. With regard to compensation, the salary of a senior software engineer may be affected by several factors.
Senior Software Engineer Salary
In 2010, the national average salary of software test engineers ranged from $53,024 to $71,027. They received compensation packages that included profit sharing and bonuses of $1,029 to $4,923. They also received commissions that range from $512 to $3,413. Their total compensation was between $52,148 and $72,380 annually. However, education can greatly influence the salary of a senior software engineer.
Individuals who possess a degree in computer, mechanical, aerospace, and electrical engineering may become software test engineers; but those with an electrical engineering degree will most likely receive the highest salaries. Their average software engineer salary can range from $55,823 to $70,471 annually. A senior software engineer, however, can expect a higher amount than his juniors. Senior software test engineers typically receive an average salary of $83,095.
Moreover, you should know that senior software engineer jobs require many years of computer experience. Network managers are responsible for maintaining computer networks. It is their job to oversee the administration and implementation of the computer and telecommunication networks of certain organizations. They have to make sure that the information stored and transmitted on networks are accurate. Also, they have to improve the capabilities of these networks.
The national average salary of network managers in 2010 was $83,000. Nevertheless, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, a growth of 17% for computer and information systems can be expected from 2008 to 2018. Organizations will most likely upgrade their technology to remain competitive and up-to-date. Hence, there would be a need for more network managers.
You may also be interested in computer programming careers. Computer programmers typically write detailed sequential instructions. They make use of system flow charts and computer languages such as COBOL, XML, and HTML. The work environment of computer programmers varies. They can work in engineering, manufacturing, educational, medical, or government industries. As of 2009, the average salary of computer programmers is $73,000.
Senior programmer analysts, on the other hand, typically work for banks, universities, and banks. They create software for a variety of business applications, including billing services, company websites, and payroll. They also troubleshoot software problems. The annual salary of a senior programmer analyst can range from $67,177 to $89,292. It may sum up to $102,960 when bonuses, profit sharing, and additional incentives are included.
Level one computer software engineers typically receive an average of $58,300 per year while level three computer software engineers may earn an average of $115,700 per year. Those who are employed in Massachusetts receive an average salary of $102,900 while those in Virginia earn around $95,400. Experience and geographical location are other important factors that can affect the salary of a senior software engineer.
What Does a Software Engineer Do?
A software engineer is a software program professional that designs, develop, evaluate, test, and install the working system of a computer. Examples of what does a software engineer do are to have the common systems knowledge in platforms and programming languages such as: The SQL Server, MYSQL, Sun Solaris, Java, Weblogic, Websphere, Oracle, Jboss, Linux, AJAX, SOAP, C, C++, .NET, OWL, STL, XSTL, J2SE, J2EE, J2ME, Perl, HTML, Java Script Web Services, XML, JSP, Python, UNIX, PHP, ASP, Redhat Linux, and so on.
Software Engineer Salary differs based on their formal education, special skills, certifications, and most of all their professional experiences. The national average salary of a software engineer is pegged between the ranges of $41000 to $91,000 per annum. These of course does not include the other benefits like, dental, vision, and medical insurance, semi-annual and annual bonuses, overtime pay, and most important of all, the profit sharing. The majority of software engineers work in the states of New York, California, Washington, Virginia, Illinois, and Texas, just to mention a few.
A typical day on what does a software engineer do might include tasks such as:
- To confer with the engineering staff in evaluating the performance and requirements in resolving the customer problems.
- Modifying and correcting glitches and errors in the software to improve the performance of the computer.
- Scientific and mathematical analysis in designing and developing the software systems.
- Directing validation procedures and software system testing.
- Documentation of the software system and design.
- Consultation with clients with regard to the software design and maintenance of the system.
- Managing and determining the feasibility of a project with cost and time constraint as a rule of thumb.
- Other functions on what does a software engineer do as the case may be required by the company.
Here are some basic software engineer job description:
- Always maintain the standard compliance.
- Object oriented Design and Analysis.
- Full life cycle application development.
- Software modeling and simulation.
- Software analysis, software review, code analysis, requirements analysis, system risk analysis, identification of code metrics, and software reliability analysis.
- To design, code, debug applications in various software languages.
- Software testing and quality assurance.
- Front end graphical user interface design.
- To implement localization or globalization of the software.
- To integrate software with the existing systems.
- To identify and evaluate for implementation of new technologies.
- Project Planning and Project Management.
These are just some of the common job description of what does a software engineer do.
Software Engineer Resume : Useful Tips When Creating One
Writing a software engineer resume is not as easy as anyone might think. Of course, there are common pitfalls and things to avoid. They are quite common in the process of creating a resume for any line of work as well.
The following tips may become quite useful to any budding software engineer who is still forging a career in the said industry. The main idea here is not only to avoid the common mistakes that other people make. People should also know what to include in their software engineer resume so that it can make a great and lasting impression.
The goal behind all of this is to make the software engineer resume an efficient tool to get the applicant to the next stage of the hiring process. Follow the tips mentioned here and make the necessary adjustments to your current resume.
General Tips when Writing a Software Engineer Resume
Make the first page of the resume a reader magnet, which means that it should be able to attract the attention of the hiring manager, recruiter, or interviewer. The first page of any resume for software engineers should highlight all of the successes and accentuate positive things about the applicant.
The next thing people can do to boost the general impression provided by their resume is to remove the “objectives” section off their resume. Many people usually include an “objectives” paragraph or section in their resume. That is well and good in most cases but not with a software engineer resume.
Some recruiters and interviewers might be okay with the objectives paragraph. However, many hiring managers, a.k.a. the main person who will decide whether to hire somebody or not, are more concerned about an applicant’s work experience. If an applicant has the skills as well as experience that can benefit the company then that person can become an asset.
Since a software engineer resume is supposed to get the approval of the hiring manager most of all, then make sure that the first page includes a lot of technical details from the previous work. It should include what programming languages were used in specific projects, what contributions were made by the applicant, and a few relevant facts and figures thrown into the page will make it very significant.
Highlight the Significant in the Software Engineer Resume
When writing down a list of achievements, make sure to group the really impressive ones separately – preferably away from the not so impressive achievements. The really impressive data should be one of the first things that the recruiter and the hiring manager should see. This makes the resume more powerful and eye catching. If one can throw in some really impressive figures in the software engineer resume then do so.
As an added precaution, avoid adding unimpressive duties and contributions in the software engineer resume. Adding them will definitely dilute whatever career highlights are mentioned in there. If it would be possible to exclude the minor details then by all means remove it from the list of achievements. However, do not exclude a statement about the software engineer salary.
Adjectives vs. Objective Details
Note that hiring managers are more concerned about facts and not adjectives. Anyone can say that they are an asset to the company but not everyone can say that they generated three million dollars in earnings in the previous quarter on a year over year basis.
Honesty about Objective Details
It has been thoroughly emphasized here to avoid subjective descriptions but highlight metrics and other measurable items in the resume. However, another precaution is that one should not exaggerate the figures. Be honest and objective. After all, the hiring manager can investigate whether you were really able to achieve the things stated on paper. A software engineer resume should present a huge window of opportunity that furnishes the recruiter and hiring manager with a powerful impression about a potential asset.
Software Engineer Job Description
Software engineer job description encompasses roles, duties and responsibilities of a person vying for an engineering position in a company, agency, or any other work environment. An engineer specializing in the software field may apply principles to programs and computer system designs, improvements, testing and evaluation.
A Software engineer job description may be different according to the company. Usually, they may specialize in systems or become application specialists. It may also cover design and execution of software solutions; design and assessing various programs, applications and games; operate and analyze various operating systems and any old or new software; and maintain computer systems and other important programs. Due to Software engineer job description and the line of work, each of them must have competitive knowledge in numerous programming languages and other essential applications.
Software engineer salary may vary depending on the company, rank, experience and location, but it is usually in the range of $70,000 to $120,000 a year. More often, salaries can be estimated just by viewing a Software engineer job description. Below are some examples of average salaries that may be received from large companies:
- In Yahoo! salaries, a Software Engineer receives $101, 951, a Senior Software Engineer gets $120, 179, and a Principal Software Engineer makes an average $146, 743 salaries.
- On the other hand, Google grants its Software Engineer an average of $101, 092, a Senior Software Engineer may be offered with $129,995, and a Staff Software Engineer can make $134,182.
- In Amazon.com, a Software Engineer receives $90,783 payments, Senior Software Engineer gets $107, 800, and Software Development Engineer gets an average of $90,803.
- For Microsoft companies, an average compensation of $87,511 is expected to a Software Development Engineer, $82,001 for Software development Engineer in Test, and $117,141 for Senior Software Development Engineer.
- In IBM companies, Software Engineer usually gets $87, 749. Staff Software Engineer is given $86, 236, while Advisory Software Engineer is offered an average $107,551.
- For Intel Corporation, a Software Engineer will be receiving an average salary of $87,860, Senior Software Engineer will get $101,053, and a Staff Software Engineer will get $115,800.
Read more about the software engineer salary.
Software engineer job description includes regular application of tasks like analyzing user needs, investigating fresh technological advancements, and testing innovative programs and software. Research and creating new programs are also part of the work. Other responsibilities seen in Software engineer job description involve: constant evaluation of software programs, operating system, and computer applications; analyze necessary improvements in existing programs; integrate current software with other programs; make technical specifications; work with programming languages; maintain and monitor software; correct defects and debug programs; write operational documents, etc.
Part of Software engineer job description is having interpersonal skills and continuous intra-development. Engineers work with other people in the organization. Therefore, they shall be able to communicate well with web designers, project managers, developers, graphic artists, system analysts, and other members of the staff to create team cooperation and sound working environment.
Moreover, Software engineer job description describes a person who has the initiative in consulting either clients or other co-workers in the maintenance of system and performance of any program used. Each engineer must also be leaning towards their own improvement by attending company trainings, outside-the-office courses, reading news, and trying out new released programs.
Software engineer job description also reflects educational qualifications of a person to handle daily functions and perform well with possible challenges. Most engineers have finished courses and have acquired diploma in software engineering. To determine whether they can meet a Software engineer job description, certifications in various on-the-job trainings, seminars, short courses are necessary. In most organizations, combination of education as well as outside-the-campus trainings and certifications are essential in resumes particularly those who are newly graduates.
There are some companies like to add associations to a Software engineer job description. For instance, one of the popular professional associations is the IEEE Computer Society. This is an association with members, who are educationally accomplished, experienced in fieldwork, and have passed examination to enter as certified members. These associations are important in some companies because of the training and expertise they confer members.
When it comes to big software companies, license or certification reflects an applicant’s capacity to meet a Software engineer job description. These official recognitions represent the knowledge level and expertise of engineers. These can be acquired in companies like Microsoft, Novell, Oracle, and other software manufacturers. There are also numerous certificates for specific coding languages, computer network, software products, applications, and more. Updated certificates are released rapidly as advancement continuously changing.
Software engineer job description may generally comprise high analytics, complex application and technical duties, but each engineer requires not only computer science, mathematics and software knowledge, but also fast adaptation in a constantly changing world.