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What is a software engineering specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted experts
Frank McCown Ph.D.,
Kevin Treu Ph.D.

Software engineering is a branch of computer science that borders the application of engineering systems to software development. Software are fuels needed for the operation of computer systems. A software engineering specialist is, therefore, responsible for the development of this software.

The software engineering specialist's expertise is displayed in their area of concentration. After designing software, it is tested to determine its effectiveness and look out for any failure point.

To become a software engineering specialist, you must be well-versed in computer programming. A bachelor's degree in either computer science, software engineering, or any related field is crucial. Software engineering is one of the highest-paying careers, with an average salary of $98,153 annually.

What general advice would you give to a software engineering specialist?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

The market is stable for software developers, despite the economic challenges created by the pandemic. Before accepting a job offer, talk to the company's employees through online meetings or email, and see what they think of the company. Do they enjoy their work? Are there opportunities to learn new technologies? How does the company treat their employees? There's a good chance you will be working remotely in your first job, so you will need to exercise a lot of self-discipline, be punctual for online meetings, do the work you've been assigned, and know when to ask questions when you get stuck. Expect a steeper-than-normal learning curve if you are working remotely instead of in an office.
ScoreSoftware Engineering SpecialistUS Average
Salary
7.7

Avg. Salary $104,819

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.0

Growth rate 21%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 29.77%

Black or African American 4.63%

Hispanic or Latino 8.40%

Unknown 4.86%

White 52.18%

Gender

female 21.48%

male 78.52%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress level
4.0

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Software engineering specialist career paths

Key steps to become a software engineering specialist

  1. Explore software engineering specialist education requirements

    Most common software engineering specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    76.1 %

    Master's

    15.4 %

    Associate

    6.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific software engineering specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Java20.15%
    Software Development12.12%
    Python6.82%
    Windows4.89%
    API4.59%
  3. Complete relevant software engineering specialist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New software engineering specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a software engineering specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real software engineering specialist resumes.
  4. Research software engineering specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Contribute to implementing microservices used to manage entities and maintain a synchronize state between supplier and distributor.
    • Evaluate development software using Java and create prototype applications with C++, and other software development tools.
    • Perform extensive system and data analysis for converting project from windows application to web application.
    • Used m2Eclipse plugin for eclipse.
  5. Apply for software engineering specialist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a software engineering specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first software engineering specialist job

Salma KorchiSalma Korchi LinkedIn profile

Software Engineering Specialist

Since childhood, I've been tinkering with computers. My old PC, barely holding on, became my playground around the age of 9 or 10. When it finally gave out, and a replacement was out of reach financially, my dad introduced me to a room full of rentable computers in a park hangout. While others played games, I delved into the intricacies of hardware and components, driven by curiosity.

Eventually, my sister received a modest laptop as a reward for her high school achievements. Although she didn't show much interest, it became my gateway to exploring different operating systems, particularly Linux. Networking and scripting soon captivated me, becoming more than just a pastime.

As I matured, so did my skills. By 15, I was comfortable navigating the command line and understanding network dynamics. Yet, I never considered computers as more than a hobby until my dad suggested software engineering when my college dreams of veterinary studies were dashed.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, my laptop broke, and I faced a dilemma: either attempt repairs myself or remain computer-less until the crisis passed. I chose the former and succeeded, sparking a newfound confidence in my abilities to troubleshoot hardware and software alike.

My academic journey led me to graduate with a degree in software and networks, complemented by a master's in big data and systems integration. Despite having a job offer from my internship company, fate intervened in the form of a visa lottery win for the US. With uncertainty ahead, I took the leap of fate and relocated.

Now, six months into my American adventure, the job hunt continues. Zippia has been instrumental in my search, yet the competitive market persists. Still, I hold onto hope that my dream job awaits.

Average software engineering specialist salary

The average software engineering specialist salary in the United States is $104,819 per year or $50 per hour. Software engineering specialist salaries range between $82,000 and $133,000 per year.

Average software engineering specialist salary
$104,819 Yearly
$50.39 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do software engineering specialists rate their job?

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Software engineering specialist reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2023
Pros

Problem solving and cutting edge technology - always learning and evolving my skill set

Cons

Still have to deal with people :)


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I enjoyed working on creative problems that dealt with the user interface

Cons

I didn't like how technical it could become


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Pros

Designing a new system or making changes to an old one.

Cons

Compensation. Pay and Benefits do not match the time spent on a project. Alabama is the Worst state to live in for SOFTWARE ENGINEER Salaries. 40 to 50 percent less than our peer States.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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