Work Environment

Developing software is usually a collaborative process. As a result, developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work on teams with others who also contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software.

Work Schedules

Most software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work full time.

Job Outlook

Employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 22 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 189,200 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

The need for new applications on smart phones and tablets will help increase the demand for software developers.

The health and medical insurance and reinsurance carriers industry will need innovative software to manage new healthcare policy enrollments and administer existing policies digitally. As the number of people who use this digital platform increases over time, demand for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers will grow.

Software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are likely to see new opportunities because of an increase in the number of products that use software. For example, computer systems are routinely built into consumer electronics and other products, such as cell phones and appliances.

Concerns over threats to computer security could result in more investment in security software to protect computer networks and electronic infrastructure.

Earnings

Most software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers work full time.