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Job outlook for software specialists in the United States
Software specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected software specialist job growth rate is 21% from 2018-2028.
About 284,100 new jobs for software specialists are projected over the next decade.
Software specialist salaries have increased 10% for software specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 6,867 software specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 264,307 active software specialist job openings in the US.
The average software specialist salary is $84,009.
Are software specialist jobs in demand?
Software specialist job and salary trends over time
Software specialist jobs over time
Software specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6,867 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 12,321 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 9,146 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 16,692 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 15,761 | 0.00% |
Average software specialist salary over time
Software specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $84,009 | $40.39 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $81,241 | $39.06 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $79,402 | $38.17 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $78,000 | $37.50 | +1.7% |
| 2021 | $76,689 | $36.87 | +1.9% |
Software specialist jobs by state
Most common states for software specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 700 | 101% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 4,184 | 56% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 321 | 51% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 467 | 49% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 3,303 | 48% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 3,517 | 42% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 434 | 41% |
| 8 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,362 | 39% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 1,220 | 39% |
| 10 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,477 | 36% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,911 | 34% |
| 12 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 358 | 34% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 193 | 33% |
| 14 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 428 | 32% |
| 15 | California | 39,536,653 | 12,453 | 31% |
| 16 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,718 | 31% |
| 17 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 522 | 30% |
| 18 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 848 | 27% |
| 19 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 204 | 27% |
| 20 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 3,341 | 26% |
Most common cities for software specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edgewood | 3 | 12% | $83,692 |
| 2 | Dover | 2 | 5% | $78,647 |
| 3 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $83,488 |
| 4 | Hartford | 2 | 2% | $85,275 |
| 5 | Atlanta | 4 | 1% | $76,019 |
| 6 | Tallahassee | 2 | 1% | $75,297 |
| 7 | Centennial | 1 | 1% | $58,615 |
| 8 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $82,402 |
| 9 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $57,948 |
| 10 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $63,291 |
| 11 | Los Angeles | 2 | 0% | $73,707 |
| 12 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $83,656 |
| 13 | Aurora | 1 | 0% | $58,167 |
| 14 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $83,468 |
| 15 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $79,081 |
| 16 | Birmingham | 1 | 0% | $68,513 |
| 17 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $66,251 |
Software Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of software specialist experts
Hampton University
California State University - Sacramento
Nova Southeastern University
Seminole State College of Florida
Eastern Washington University
Northwestern University
Southwestern University
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Nova Southeastern University
Mount St. Joseph University
University of Richmond
Idaho State University
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
University of West Florida
University of Guam
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Southeastern Louisiana University
What Software Specialist 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 general advice would you give to a Software Specialist?
Dr. Yohannes Bekele: By entering the computer engineering profession now, individuals can take advantage of the high skilled-power demand in the field, diverse career paths broadly classified under hardware and software sub-areas, lucrative salaries as compared to other fields, continuous learning opportunities, and the potential for entrepreneurship in changing ideas into startup businesses easily. It is a field that offers long-term growth prospects and the chance to contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies.
What general advice would you give to a Software Specialist?
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.
Junping Sun Ph.D.
ProfessorNova Southeastern University
Computer Software And Media Applications
What Software Specialist 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 Software Specialist 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.
Dan Tappan
Eastern Washington University
Computer Software And Media Applications
What general advice would you give to a Software Specialist?
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.
David Ostrowski
Northwestern University
Information Science/Studies
What will help Software Specialists 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 Software Specialist 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.
Dr. Darshika Perera Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Computer Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Software Specialist?
Dr. Darshika Perera Ph.D.: One of my main advice for Computer Engineering students is that they should get hands-on experience as much as possible through various courses comprising labs and projects. In order to excel in this field, it is imperative for the students not only to learn the fundamentals but also to get hands-on experience. Also, as professors and educators, we are here to help students to get through their coursework and degree program successfully. Therefore, I would encourage students to have an open dialogue with their professors/instructors, and not to hesitate on approaching them with any concerns/problems encountered during the courses or degree program. My advice is not to get deterred by the years that you have to spend or some of the difficult courses that you have to take, instead consider this as a journey that you are taking to enhance your life and career.
What general advice would you give to a Software Specialist?
Dr. Neil Eldin PhD, PE: Things don’t just happen. You must develop a career plan to maximize your salary potential when starting your career. Find the right employer for yourself. For example, if you are mobile and willing to travel, target employers with international projects. After working for a few years, you can request a transfer to an overseas assignment, and this will instantaneously almost double your salary. If you are not mobile and your circumstances do not allow your travel, seek employment with major corporations and seek positions that are done at the home office (e.g., estimating, procurement, and contracting).
What general advice would you give to a Software Specialist?
Dr. Frank Mitropoulos Ph.D.: As you begin your career in Computer Applications, remember that the technology industry highly values adaptability and continuous learning. Commit to staying current with emerging technologies, programming languages, tools, and methodologies. Engage in online courses, attend workshops, and network with other professionals in your field. This dedication to self-learning and the connections you make can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and collaborations that could shape your future career path.
What Software Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Frank Mitropoulos Ph.D.: Maximizing your salary potential as a new graduate with a Computer Applications degree involves strategic positioning, skill enhancement, and effective negotiation. Following are a few strategies to help increase your salary now and in the future: Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Identify and specialize in high-demand areas that generally offer higher salaries. Build a Strong Portfolio: Develop a portfolio that showcases your skills. A compelling portfolio can strengthen your position during salary negotiations. Develop Soft Skills: While technical skills are essential, soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and leadership hold equal significance. Enhancing these skills can give you an edge in negotiations. Do your Homework and Negotiate: Some industries and locations offer higher salaries. Decide what type of industry you want to focus on and do the background research needed to determine whether your skills will help as leverage. Use your portfolio, certifications, and skill set to strengthen your position. Be ready to articulate your value and how you can contribute to the company's success.
What will help Software Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Frank Mitropoulos Ph.D.: As we look toward the future of careers in Computer Applications, several skills stand out for their growing importance. These skills revolve around specific technologies that are expected to continue to grow and evolve. Technologies related to Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Data Science are quickly evolving and being applied across the technology sector. Cloud Computing: Given the widespread adoption of Cloud services, Cloud computing expertise is indispensable. Understanding how to leverage platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud is crucial to developing scalable, efficient solutions that meet business needs. Artificial Intelligence: AI and Machine Learning are transforming the world. Skills in these areas to solve real-world problems will be even more critical in the future. Cybersecurity: Digital threats are becoming more sophisticated. Safeguarding data, networks, and systems will require encryption, intrusion detection, development, and regulation skills. Data Science: Skills in Data Science will be increasingly sought after as businesses embrace data-driven decision-making. Extracting meaningful insights from extensive datasets and effectively communicating these findings will be essential. Soft skills: Finally, soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication cannot be overlooked. Adapting, communicating, and leading will be essential for success.
What will help Software Specialists increase their earning potential?
Evgenia Smirni: Focus on having a strong basis of the fundamentals. The purpose of your education is to teach you asking the right questions to be able to find the right solutions. This field is changing continuously. Learning how to pivot when new, emerging trends happen, is key for success. Last but not least, do not underestimate the value of liberal arts educations - combining CS with liberal arts can offer communication skills that are of paramount importance for your career trajectory in this tech field.
Rebecca Allen
Mount St. Joseph University
Special Education And Teaching
What general advice would you give to a Software Specialist?
Rebecca Allen: AI, for sure. I have heard it said that AI might not replace humans, rather humans who know how to use AI well may replace humans who don't.
Ahmed Temani
Senior InstructorUniversity of Richmond
Computer/Information Technology Administration And Management
What general advice would you give to a Software Specialist?
Ahmed Temani: A lot of the buzz is about using chatbots to improve coding efficiency. However, there is a great need for systems level thinking and design as software is deployed across cloud and edge computing devices. Gaining more experience in systems design provides you with additional skills that complement whatever AI-based technology gets deployed.
What Software Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ahmed Temani: This one I'm not sure how to answer as it is too broad. I would say work hard and do quality work, but that seems obvious.
What Software Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Nikyra Capson: Don't be afraid of being rejected. If they see a job they want, apply. Even if they don't think they'll get it, still apply. The worst thing that could happen is being told no. Not applying is an automatic no, so they might as well try.
Travis Stouffer
Assistant Professor of Information Systems, ChairUniversity of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Department of Information Systems
What Software Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Travis Stouffer: Agile Project Management and Rapid Prototyping will continue to be critical in reducing the amount of rework that development teams face. If either of these two aren’t done well, software projects will continue to experience high levels of failure. Even if developers are leveraging artificial intelligence to write code more efficiently, business analysts acting as liaisons will still need to utilize practices to ensure AI tools are helping to construct applications that align with the goals and objectives of its users.
Dr. Thomas Gilbar Ph.D.
Chair and LecturerUniversity of West Florida
Electrical and Computer Engineering
What hard/technical skills are most important for Software Specialists?
Dr. Thomas Gilbar Ph.D.: There are quite a few hard/technical skills that are important for Computer Engineers. We've found a lot of managers are looking for comfort in a variety of programming languages, including C++, C#, Java, Python, etc. Also, try to have a background in a variety of operating systems (certainly windows and mac, but also having experience on Apple iOS, Android, and even Linux will give you a leg up on the competition). Having at least some experience in data/cyber security is also important these days. On the hardware side, programming and applying microcontrollers and VHDL/Verilog programming are extremely important. VLSI design is also a nice addition to skill sets, though in most cases, not a deal-breaker. Circuit and electronic design are also very important skills to supplement your microcontroller skills.
James Sellmann Ph.D.
Dean, Professor of Philosophy and Micronesian StudiesUniversity of Guam
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
What Software Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
James Sellmann Ph.D.: General advice is to keep in mind that you must leverage your skills, especially your soft skills of being able to work with people, to communicate effectively and to be able to solve problems. Be real. Don't try to pretend to be someone else to impress others. Be your authentic self. And show up on time.
What will help Software Specialists increase their earning potential?
James Sellmann Ph.D.: Computer skills, especially being able to work effectively with artificial intelligence will be most important. Being able to work with actual intelligence, that is living people, will always be an important skill.
Travis Mandel Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Hawaii at Hilo
Department of Computer Science
What soft skills should all Software Specialists possess?
Travis Mandel Ph.D.: Although computer science seems like a highly technical field, soft skills are really what differentiates software engineers. One of the most important qualities of any software engineer is explaining their code clearly at various levels of technical depth and explaining why certain design decisions were made. You could write code that does amazing things, but if that code consists of snippets you pasted from StackOverflow without really fully understanding them, it will be a huge headache for anyone who needs to come into the codebase later and maintain or update it.
Another one is asking the right questions. Imagine you are dropped into a huge codebase and asked to add a new feature (very common!). There's no time to understand everything that is going on, but on the other hand, you need to understand enough of the code to do your task effectively, which involves asking questions. A failure to ask questions will likely result in you wasting a huge amount of time working on something that is ultimately not useful, for instance, re-implementing a complex function that already exists somewhere in the codebase.
Dr. Ghanssan Alkadi Ph.D.
Professor of Computer ScienceSoutheastern Louisiana University
Department of Computer Science
What skills stand out on Software Specialist resumes?
Dr. Ghanssan Alkadi Ph.D.: Working on Software projects that involve team communication, Agile Process, and working with either the MERN, MEAN, or .Net stacks.
What skills will help Software Specialists earn the most?
Dr. Ghanssan Alkadi Ph.D.: Web and Mobile App development will help you earn the most.