What are the pros and cons of being a software engineer?

Pros:

• Salary. The average salary of a software engineer is approximately $114,000 per year. Compared to the average salary of a college graduate at $55,000 per year, software engineers average twice the typical salary of someone with a four-year degree.

  Engineers in advanced positions and those working in certain geographic locations will earn substantially more. Software engineers in San Francisco have an average salary of $148,000 annually.

• Demand within the industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions in software engineering will increase by 25% between now and 2031.

  This rate is more than double the growth rate of most other professions. There are opportunities for software engineers in healthcare, finance, government, and manufacturing.

• Working remotely. Statistics show that nearly 90% of software engineers work full time from home or have a hybrid schedule to split time between home and office. A computer and reliable internet are typically all that is needed for software engineers.

  Working remotely opens job opportunities nationwide and allows engineers to tailor their schedules.

Cons:

• Education and training requirements. Software engineering requires formal education and training. With nearly 75% of software engineers having a bachelor's degree and another 20% with a master's degree, an investment in your formal education is essential.

  Engineers typically major in software engineering or computer science, which can be difficult. Additionally, specific training with languages and certifications is also required.

• Fast-paced work environment. Software engineers are given projects to complete. Typically, these projects have hard deadlines and must be completed on time.

  The job can be overwhelming for some when coupled with the constantly changing landscape of software engineering, new languages, and coding protocols.

• Long work hours. While some software engineers work a typical 40-hour week, many work an average of between 48 to 55 hours. It is not untypical for some engineers to work as many as 60 or 70 hours a week as a significant project deadline approaches.