Computer Software Engineer Jobs

Despite the current economy, the market is good for those looking for a computer software engineer job.

Computer software engineers work with applications and systems software to create elements that make computers work. This can include design, development, testing and troubleshooting. Most computer software engineers are required to use programs like Java to create software and custom applications, according to an article by College Grad.

Most computer software engineers work in an office setting for about 40 hours per week, although the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that 17 percent of computer software engineers work for more than 50 hours per week.

Computer software engineers usually obtain a bachelor's degree and some experience with computer systems and technologies before applying for jobs. A master's degree might be required for higher-level careers.

Computer software engineers also can combine their degree with a certification program. These programs give the employee more experience, making them more marketable to a potential employers. Most certification programs focus on Cisco and Microsoft training.

The average annual salary for computer applications software engineers was $85,660 per year in 2007. That same year, systems software engineers made an average of $90,780 per year.

Looking ahead, there are expected to be 324,000 new computer software engineers through 2016. Of those, 226,000 will work as applications software engineers and the rest will work as systems software engineers. There should be a total of 1.1 million computer software engineers by 2016.

"Excellent job prospects are due in part to a rising sophistication in available technology along with the demand among clients for personalized software applications," the article notes. "Concerns over security should provide extra career demand for those with formal training or experience in software engineers."