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Job outlook for advisory software engineers in the United States
Advisory software engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected advisory software engineer job growth rate is 21% from 2018-2028.
About 284,100 new jobs for advisory software engineers are projected over the next decade.
Advisory software engineer salaries have increased 10% for advisory software engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 94,921 advisory software engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 274,504 active advisory software engineer job openings in the US.
The average advisory software engineer salary is $102,654.
Are advisory software engineer jobs in demand?
Advisory software engineer job and salary trends over time
Advisory software engineer jobs over time
Advisory software engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 94,921 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 192,215 | 0.06% |
| 2019 | 128,481 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 280,449 | 0.08% |
| 2017 | 263,703 | 0.08% |
Average advisory software engineer salary over time
Advisory software engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $102,654 | $49.35 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $99,272 | $47.73 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $97,024 | $46.65 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $95,311 | $45.82 | +1.7% |
| 2021 | $93,710 | $45.05 | +1.9% |
Advisory software engineer jobs by state
Most common states for advisory software engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 977 | 141% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 5,613 | 76% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 3,966 | 58% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 550 | 57% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 4,317 | 51% |
| 6 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,966 | 49% |
| 7 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 2,023 | 49% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 298 | 48% |
| 9 | California | 39,536,653 | 17,524 | 44% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 1,377 | 44% |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 463 | 44% |
| 12 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 2,301 | 41% |
| 13 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 466 | 35% |
| 14 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 190 | 33% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,761 | 32% |
| 16 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 491 | 29% |
| 17 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 307 | 29% |
| 18 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 3,485 | 27% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 955 | 27% |
| 20 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,737 | 26% |
Most common cities for advisory software engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boulder | 1 | 1% | $86,337 |
| 2 | Columbus | 2 | 0% | $89,004 |
| 3 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $98,411 |
| 4 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $87,549 |
| 5 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $86,248 |
Advisory Software Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of advisory software engineer experts
Seattle University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Weber State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
California State University - Sacramento
Nova Southeastern University
Carnegie Mellon University
Duke University
Seminole State College of Florida
Eastern Washington University
Northwestern University
Southwestern University
Aurora University
What general advice would you give to an Advisory Software Engineer?
Sepehr Mohammadian: 2. Computer science remains in high demand in today's job market, with California exemplifying this trend. In recent years, the number of open positions in the state has exceeded the average demand rate by 1.5 times. At the University of the Pacific, our CS program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and experiences to thrive in this landscape. Through our co-op program, in collaboration with recruiters such as Nvidia, HP, and Lawrence Livermore National Lab, students have the opportunity to participate in paid internships lasting approximately 8 months. These internships provide invaluable exposure to real-world work settings and allow students to apply their knowledge in practical contexts and gain valuable industry insights. It is worth noting that many of our graduates choose to return to the same company post-graduation.
What Advisory Software Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sepehr Mohammadian: 1. This is a pretty broad question. CS degree graduates can engage in different tasks and responsibilities based on the nature of their profession. Examples include 1) software engineering, in which the individual's efforts are toward leading or contributing to software development projects, 2) IT management, where the individual mainly oversees technology strategies and their implementation, 3) cybersecurity, where the individual's responsibilities are associated with the protection of systems and data from cyber threats, and 4) data and AI engineering, where the individual works on machine learning applications and analyze and derive insights from large datasets.
What will help Advisory Software Engineers increase their earning potential?
Sepehr Mohammadian: 3. The appeal of computer science among students is often attributed to the relatively short journey from concept to execution. Unlike many engineering fields where hardware constraints can impede the swift realization of ideas, the development of software offers a streamlined process. With nothing more than access to a computer and relative proficiency in programming, individuals can swiftly transform their ideas into tangible solutions. This accessibility and agility contribute to the popularity of CS among aspiring students. On the other hand, CS heavily relies on abstract analysis as a fundamental skill for success. Students who struggle with grasping abstract concepts may find themselves frustrated or disengaged with the field.
What general advice would you give to an Advisory Software Engineer?
Julie Brandis: Oregon State University provides support in salary negotiation, also students can work with mentors who are familiar with company hiring practices and wage structures. If you have internship experience, that can help to boost your starting salary.
Christopher Misorski FASM
Brunswick Technical Fellow-Materials Product Development & EngineeringWhat will help Advisory Software Engineers increase their earning potential?
Christopher Misorski FASM: Maximizing salary potential at the start of your career is not a clear pathway generally. One way that you can be considered more valuable, and hence worth a better salary, is to have participated in a co-op or internship program with a company in your field. This experience gives employers some confidence that you were able to carry out assignments and thrive in a workplace environment. The employer that you worked for may be inclined to offer you a position upon graduation and you are now worth more because you have already proven to them your abilities. Even if they don’t offer you a job (no appropriate open position may be available) your ability to discuss your experiences with the HR recruiter or hiring manager at another company can instill confidence in your selection as a hire. Just remember, if you tell them you did a project, be prepared to explain it so it doesn’t appear you were just in the background of this project, just going along for the ride.
What Advisory Software Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Thomas Congedo PhD: That comes from your ability to focus on technical product of the highest quality, always seeking to truly understand the customer’s needs. For example, often a customer will phrase a problem by stating the solution he or she assumes. Taking the time to respectfully draw out the thinking further can make you the customer’s hero, and this makes you the person likely to be selected for the challenging and most rewarded assignments.
What general advice would you give to an Advisory Software Engineer?
Dr. Sridhar Ramachandran: As a Computer Science graduate, it’s vital to work on independent projects outside of course projects or assigned tasks. This allows you to apply your knowledge and explore new areas and opportunities. Showcasing these projects in a digital portfolio provides a visual and tangible representation of your skills and growth. Emphasizing your attention to clean coding and documentation reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. The field is vast and rapidly evolving, so stay curious, keep learning, and enjoy your professional journey. Avoid getting caught up in fleeting trends. Understanding the difference between work, job, and career is crucial; find work and jobs that contribute to your long-term career aspirations while steadily maintaining your focus on your career goals. In addition, being aware of the organization’s environment and culture at the workplace you intend to work at is important. Familiarize yourself with workplace methodologies like Agile, Just-In-Time (JIT), DevOps, Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Feature-Driven Development (FDD), Extreme Programming (XP), Rapid Application Development (RAD), and Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) (to name a few). Each organization will have its unique blend of these elements, and knowing what works best for you will help you thrive in your chosen career path. Remember, the key to success in this dynamic field is continuous learning and adaptation.
What Advisory Software Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Sridhar Ramachandran: To optimize your earning potential in the field of Computer Science, it’s important to establish a solid educational foundation and master widely-used programming languages and technologies. Internships offer invaluable hands-on experience, and obtaining industrial certifications in specialized areas can significantly increase your marketability. Cultivating a robust professional network and honing your salary negotiation skills are also key. It’s important to stay updated with the latest technological advancements, salary trends, and consider focusing on a niche area in high demand. From the outset of your career conversations, it’s beneficial to communicate clear salary expectations. Conduct thorough research on the current market rates for the role you’re targeting to ensure your expectations are realistic. Understanding your worth in the market is crucial, and you should aim for a salary that not only reflects your skills and experience but also keeps you motivated and invested in your work. Remember, while salary is a significant factor, aspects like work-life balance and job satisfaction also play a vital role in your overall career satisfaction. Aim for a win-win salary negotiation where both you and your employer feel the compensation is fair and equitable.
What will help Advisory Software Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Sridhar Ramachandran: The field of Computer Science is a dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape. Over the next 3-5 years, several skills will gain prominence. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will be indispensable due to the surge in data generation. Cybersecurity will become critical as our reliance on digital systems intensifies, and it will be everyone’s prerogative to ensure the security of their digital assets. Essential cybersecurity skills will include understanding of network security, proficiency in security software tools, knowledge of threat and vulnerability assessment, and the ability to implement incident response and recovery plans. Proficiency in Cloud Computing platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure will be sought after as businesses increasingly transition to the cloud. Data Science and Analytics will continue to be pivotal for data-driven decision making. Quantum Computing, though nascent, holds the potential to revolutionize the field. Soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving will be vital in managing complex, interdisciplinary projects. In this dynamic field, employees who know how to learn, unlearn, and relearn will have a competitive advantage. This is particularly true with the emerging importance for AI programming languages like Julia, Swift for TensorFlow, and Rust.
Jhon Smith
Associate Professor and Director of MS in Structural EngineeringSeattle University
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to an Advisory Software Engineer?
Jhon Smith: Do not be afraid to ask questions to your supervisors (although do not take it to an extreme and become demanding—show initiative). You get the fundamentals of engineering at school and you are equipped to use them but it takes a few years to feel comfortable. Engineering is a profession of practice and it is only through practice that you best learn it.
What Advisory Software Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jhon Smith: Expand your network, join professional organizations and committees, become valuable in whatever company you work for, never stop learning, seek for opportunities for professional work, get your PE license. After these you will become more valuable naturally and could comfortably ask for a promotion or a salary increase because you’d know you deserve it.
What will help Advisory Software Engineers increase their earning potential?
Richard Davis: Engineering offers career opportunities across various industries, from technology and healthcare to infrastructure and environmental sustainability. With technological advancements and the increasing complexity of global challenges, such as climate change, food and clean water, and urbanization, engineers are in high demand to develop innovative solutions. For example, environmental engineers are crucial in developing sustainable solutions to reduce pollution and conserve resources. Engineering provides opportunities for creativity and problem-solving, making it a rewarding career choice for those who enjoy tackling complex problems. The global focus on sustainability and renewable energy presents exciting prospects for engineers to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact society and the environment.
What general advice would you give to an Advisory Software Engineer?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: An underappreciated skill that I think will become more sought-after is the ability to validate computer-made decisions and their shortcomings. With the growing prominence of AI use in design, problem solving, and decision making, the engineering field will need experts to error-check decisions made using these technologies. Sometimes there are unexplored gaps that these technologies overlook, and sometimes there are biases or inappropriate assumptions baked into AI-based results. Humans are inherently imaginative and creative. We excel at picking up on things that computer algorithms may miss. Talented experts that recognize and address these issues will remain invaluable in the workforce. Another indispensable skill that is often overlooked in engineering is effective interpersonal communication. Whether in a teamwork context, a leadership role, or a client interaction, competent communication is crucial. This can take the form of conversation, live presentations, written correspondence, and beyond. People that hone their communication skills are often recognized, and tend to be the individuals that are promoted to more senior roles.
What Advisory Software Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Concurrent with building technical skills, they must build soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These skills are often the differentiators between good and great engineers.
What will help Advisory Software Engineers increase their earning potential?
Megumi Usui: Even after obtaining a degree, it is crucial to recognize that continuous learning is a fundamental aspect of professional development in the workplace. One must cultivate an open-minded attitude and demonstrate a willingness to acquire new knowledge and skills at any time and in any context. Effective communication with colleagues and clients is essential for successful collaboration and project execution. It is important to understand that the professional environment is significantly different from the academic setting. In a company, the focus is delivering work that meets the expectations and standards set by the employer and satisfies the needs of clients, rather than merely fulfilling personal criteria. Furthermore, it is imperative to produce high-quality work consistently. Mediocre performance is unacceptable, and organizations will not hesitate to seek replacements if the work delivered does not meet their standards. Ensuring that your work is thorough, precise, and aligns with the company's objectives is critical for maintaining the position and advancing their career.
What general advice would you give to an Advisory Software Engineer?
Michael Denn: 1. Become the expert in whatever you do. 2. Understand how your work fits into the bigger picture and keep that in mind when you do your work. 3. Keep learning! Your engineering degree is not the end of your education! 4. Take stretch assignments and opportunities whenever you can.
What will help Advisory Software Engineers increase their earning potential?
Michael Denn: The answers to this question are largely the same as the answer to question 1. However, here are some additional points: 1. Excel in your job. Become the person everyone goes to for whatever type of work you do. 2. Develop and maintain a career plan. Make sure your assignments and tasks align with your plan. When you have the opportunity to change positions, keep you plan in mind.
What general advice would you give to an Advisory Software Engineer?
Kin Chung Kwan: Computer science is rapidly growing, with new technologies emerging daily. The desired skill set can vary from year to year. We should always stay updated on the latest global developments and prepare to learn something new. Keeping your skills up-to-date and aligning them with the current needs of employers and target customers is crucial to maximizing salary potential.
What Advisory Software Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kin Chung Kwan: We are in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution. AI development will continue to be a global priority and dominate the tech landscape in the next few years. For computer scientists seeking career progression, gaining a comprehensive understanding of AI is crucial. Furthermore, understanding limitations, ethical considerations, safety and security measures associated with AI is an important responsibility that every computer scientist should be aware of.
What will help Advisory Software Engineers increase their earning potential?
Kin Chung Kwan: Programming is the cornerstone of computer science. Solving problems effectively through proficient programming is a vital key to career success. Learning programming is like athletic training. One cannot become a skilled athlete solely through attending lectures. Programming skills can only be improved with consistent practice. Learning new techniques and repeated practice can help professionals refine their programming abilities and achieve career success.
Junping Sun Ph.D.
ProfessorNova Southeastern University
Computer Software And Media Applications
What general advice would you give to an Advisory Software Engineer?
Junping Sun Ph.D.: Being capable to perform, being competitive to excel, being able to communicate as a team player, being a connoisseur to act, being a clairvoyance to perceive, being creative to innovate, being conscientious with professional integrity.
What Advisory Software Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Junping Sun Ph.D.: Computer Science and its applications in various fields are very dynamic and constantly evolving, and anyone in the fields needs to prepare to be adaptive by lifelong learning.
What will help Advisory Software Engineers increase their earning potential?
Junping Sun Ph.D.: Computer science is an algorithm science for problem solving in real world applications. The skills of problem solving require critical thinking with solid foundation of the professional knowledge in the relevant domains. It is crucial to have strong critical thinking skill with sophisticated logical and philosophical perspectives.
What general advice would you give to an Advisory Software Engineer?
Jonathan Aldrich: Hone your skills so you are great at what you do, and gradually build to be great at what you want to do next. When you are confident in your current position, look for the next step--which may be a promotion in your current organization or a new job outside it.
What Advisory Software Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jonathan Aldrich: AI is a powerful new tool but it is also unreliable. Learn how you can use it but also what its limitations are, so that you can protect yourself and your customers from those limitations. Always have a way to double-check that the results of AI are sensible and appropriate. No one is a lone coder anymore--you'll be more effective if you can work with other people and with tools that multiply your capabilities. Work on your teamwork skills and keep your eye out for new tools and technologies that make you more effective.
What will help Advisory Software Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jonathan Aldrich: Be open to new experiences and focus on learning from them. A degree in computing gives you a foundation but there will be new challenges in every job; always be thinking about what you can do to become more effective at your tasks.
What Advisory Software Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jimmie Lenz D.B.A.: Engineering encompasses so many areas of modern life that it’s impossible to provide a comprehensive answer here. The training that engineers receive, both the technical and the applied nature, make these individuals quite attractive to all types of industries. Perhaps the most surprising to many people are the significant number of engineers employed in financial services.
What general advice would you give to an Advisory Software Engineer?
Holger Findling: Most companies have a fixed range in salary for new hires. There is very limited space to negotiate a higher pay. It used to be a standard practice not to stay more than three years with a company because salary increases are associated with labor grade ranges. A larger salary increase can be realized by moving to a different company. Typically, 5% increase vs 3% salary increase. However, a programmer needs to continue studying in the field of interest. Earn a master's degree. Be the best you can be!
What Advisory Software Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Holger Findling: Decide what technical area you would like to work in your field of expertise. Do you like to work for the aerospace industry? Decide what specific component you are interested in. Aircraft, Missiles, Energy, Navy - ships, Finance? The issue is that these components are developed in different states. For instance, in Florida Mid-Range missiles are developed and flight simulators. However, aircrafts are developed in Texas, Georgia, and Arizona, not in Florida. There are a lot of programmers needed for financial software. Most likely these jobs would be in New York, New Jersey, Atlanta, California and Massachusetts. In other words understand what industry you would like to work for, and understand that the industries are clustered in different states.
What will help Advisory Software Engineers increase their earning potential?
Holger Findling: Technologies are changing very fast, and you must change with it. Don't be rigid. AI is going to increase in the next five years, and the demand for programmers will be high. You would have to take courses studying AI concepts. Bio-Medical fields and Biometrics will be expanding in capabilities and these fields will need a lot of programmers. Take some additional courses, for example Biology and Chemistry.
Dan Tappan
Eastern Washington University
Computer Software And Media Applications
What general advice would you give to an Advisory Software Engineer?
Dan Tappan: As much as possible, become a subject matter expert in the domain you're working in. The biggest problems we have are in not understanding the customer's problem and not understanding the customer's problem domain. Neither side is conversant in the other's world. We can't expect the customer to learn software development, so we have to learn about their world to bridge this gap.
What Advisory Software Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dan Tappan: This field changes so rapidly, it's hard to predict. Artificial intelligence has really taken off recently. There's no clear distinction between AI, machine learning, big data, and related areas anymore. They all blend together. These aren't just used as solutions to problems; they're also playing an ever-larger role in the tools we use to solve those problems. ChatGPT, for example, helps in writing documentation, and Google products help in writing code. Solid skills in these areas can streamline the development process.
What will help Advisory Software Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dan Tappan: There's not much room for salary negotiation as a new graduate with no experience. Every CS graduate shares roughly the same required background. What often distinguishes one applicant from another, or boosts the salary, is non-required experience with personal projects, contributions to open-source development, and so on. This shows not only applications of the required background, but also the initiative to learn and do more than is expected for the degree.
David Ostrowski
Northwestern University
Information Science/Studies
What general advice would you give to an Advisory Software Engineer?
David Ostrowski: Create value in your position, become an expert in a few key areas to maximize value, concentrate on deep skill sets within a specific application domain, innovate and push the limits of technology.
What Advisory Software Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
David Ostrowski: Keep Learning. Some in the past have held the understanding that learning stops after college. While college gives you the foundation and insight, one needs to continually be learning throughout their career. Maintain an entrepreneurial mindset - even and especially if you plan on working for a large corporation (intrapreneur). Take a portion of your workweek to pursue new ideas and innovate. Maintain a portfolio of your work internally or externally. Love your work.
What will help Advisory Software Engineers increase their earning potential?
David Ostrowski: Deep technical software skills, incorporating and innovating with AI, programming languages like Golang, Solidity, Rust, JavaScript, understanding and appreciation of the functional programming paradigm. Innovation and pushing the limits of technology.
What general advice would you give to an Advisory Software Engineer?
Jacob Schrum: When it comes to any technology-based field, it is extremely important to be able to learn new things. The tools that today's graduates end up using down the line probably don't exist yet, but there are still foundational skills that are important for graduates to have. The Southwestern University Computer Science program teaches students the core knowledge in data structures, algorithms, programming languages, and more that they need to succeed in various careers related to computer science, but we also give them the chance to do meaningful project-based work that sets them up for career success. This is especially true in the CS Capstone course, which involves meeting with a real-world client, discussing their needs, and then engineering a software solution to meet those needs. This experience allows students to engage with modern tools in an applied context, and requires them to develop the soft skills of communication and negotiation to satisfy the needs of their client.
What Advisory Software Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jacob Schrum: Generative AI is obviously affecting many industries. Although these systems can write code, this will not eliminate the need for skilled coders and problem solvers. However, those entering the field now can use generative AI systems to quickly write formulaic boiler-plate code, which will give them more time to focus on real problem solving. Systems like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude can also serve as interactive troubleshooting tools that can be more effective than searching the web for a specific answer to a very obscure problem. Still, there is ultimately no substitute for having the actual skills to do these tasks on your own. These systems are improving, but they don't get everything right, and they have a major problem with knowing when they are wrong. Furthermore, certain companies and industries don't want their proprietary code disclosed to companies that own these AI systems, and thus do not allow employees to use them. I'll also note that skills not just in using AI systems, but in creating them will be in high demand. Granted, only a few big companies realistically have the kinds of resources to create the models behind ChatGPT, etc, but other companies can either use these models, or make their own much smaller scale models. Furthermore, Machine Learning skills were in high-demand even before generative AI hit the scene, so I would recommend focusing on those skills.
What will help Advisory Software Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jacob Schrum: This is definitely not my area of expertise as someone who has mainly been confined to academia for most of his career, but from what I can see, the demand for the skills our students have is still high enough. The main challenge seems to be landing that first job. Once that has been accomplished, it is on the student (now employee) to demonstrate their worth, and keep seeking opportunities to learn and improve. If the company is not giving them the chances for advancement or has a bad working environment, then they should be on the lookout for better opportunities. Granted, there have been some significant layoffs in the tech industry, and that does mean that new graduates entering the market are sometimes in competition with more experienced job candidates. However, the salary expectations of those experienced candidates can make entry-level positions less appealing to them, so there are still opportunities for those entering the field. I suppose this is sort of an unusual way to respond to a question about maximizing salary potential ... I understand that everyone wants to make money, but it is important to be realistic about the job market. Once you have an offer, you can bargain a bit, and you can always be on the lookout for better opportunities, but I think that early on it is a bit more important to gather experience and a steady work record. Ultimately, one will have to weigh the tradeoffs between the opportunities they actually have, and act accordingly.
Dr. Ramona Baima
Senior Lecturer of Mathematics & Field Experience SupervisorAurora University
Mathematics
What Advisory Software Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Ramona Baima: They can maximize their salary potential by choosing carefully the company they are starting to work for. They should look for companies that offer incentives such as paying for continuing education (such as master degree, certificates), possibility of exchanging ideas with international colleagues, investments within the company (such as 401K and pension). They also should be informed about the actual job hierchacy within the company and the possibilities of advancing their job position.