What is a Systems Software Developer?
Occupation Description Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Set operational specifications and formulate and analyze software requirements. May design embedded systems software. Apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.
Life As a Systems Software Developer: What Do They Do?
- Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status.
- Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
- Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, or need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
- Monitor functioning of equipment to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
- Use microcontrollers to develop control signals, implement control algorithms, or measure process variables, such as temperatures, pressures, or positions.
- Train users to use new or modified equipment.
Featured schools near , edit
Systems Software Developer Needed Skills
Systems Software Developers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Operating System Designer
- Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst)
- Computer Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Embedded Engineer
Systems Software Developer Employment Estimates
There were about 425,000 jobs for Systems Software Developer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 47,100 new jobs for Systems Software Developer by 2026. The BLS estimates 32,900 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Systems Software Developer are Nevada, Utah, and Tennessee. Watch out if you plan on working in Idaho, Alaska, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Systems Software Developer Make?
The typical yearly salary for Systems Software Developers is somewhere between $66,740 and $166,960.
Systems Software Developers who work in California, New Hampshire, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Systems Software Developers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $105,890 |
Alaska | $110,080 |
Arizona | $103,860 |
Arkansas | $85,830 |
California | $131,700 |
Colorado | $124,410 |
Connecticut | $102,440 |
District of Columbia | $115,610 |
Florida | $102,590 |
Georgia | $105,100 |
Hawaii | $97,510 |
Idaho | $97,310 |
Illinois | $108,570 |
Indiana | $90,850 |
Iowa | $91,920 |
Kansas | $94,240 |
Kentucky | $84,300 |
Louisiana | $76,200 |
Maine | $98,580 |
Maryland | $119,860 |
Massachusetts | $117,760 |
Michigan | $88,560 |
Minnesota | $110,460 |
Mississippi | $86,360 |
Missouri | $94,140 |
Montana | $77,560 |
Nebraska | $94,620 |
Nevada | $100,510 |
New Hampshire | $126,790 |
New Jersey | $123,370 |
New Mexico | $94,690 |
New York | $115,120 |
North Carolina | $105,760 |
North Dakota | $75,030 |
Ohio | $101,570 |
Oklahoma | $90,200 |
Oregon | $104,760 |
Pennsylvania | $103,520 |
Rhode Island | $103,930 |
South Carolina | $80,250 |
South Dakota | $90,430 |
Tennessee | $92,700 |
Texas | $110,740 |
Utah | $106,040 |
Vermont | $99,370 |
Virginia | $119,860 |
Washington | $121,250 |
West Virginia | $100,170 |
Wisconsin | $90,660 |
Wyoming | $88,310 |
What Tools & Technology do Systems Software Developers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Systems Software Developers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Python
- jQuery
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
How to Become a Systems Software Developer
What education or degrees do I need to become a Systems Software Developer?
What work experience do I need to become a Systems Software Developer?
Where Systems Software Developers Are Employed
Systems Software Developers work in the following industries:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those who work as a Systems Software Developer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Negative Space via CC0 License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info | Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |