What Does it Take to Be a Systems Software Developer?
Job Description & Duties 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?
- Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
- Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, or need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
- Consult with engineering staff to evaluate interface between hardware and software, develop specifications and performance requirements, or resolve customer problems.
- Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
- Direct software programming and development of documentation.
- Use microcontrollers to develop control signals, implement control algorithms, or measure process variables, such as temperatures, pressures, or positions.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Systems Software Developer?
When polled, Systems Software Developers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Types of Systems Software Developer
- Network Engineer
- Systems Software Specialist
- Test Engineer
- Secure Software Assessor
- Software Engineering Systems Information Technology Specialist
Is There Going to be Demand for Systems Software Developers?
In the United States, there were 425,000 jobs for Systems Software Developer in 2016. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 32,900 job openings in this field each year.
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.
Average Systems Software Developers Salary
Systems Software Developers make between $66,740 and $166,960 a year.
Systems Software Developers who work in California, New Hampshire, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Systems Software Developers in different U.S. states.
| 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Systems Software Developers
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
Becoming a Systems Software Developer
What education is needed to be a Systems Software Developer?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Systems Software Developers Work?
Below are examples of industries where Systems Software Developers work:
Similar Careers
Career changers with experience as a Systems Software Developer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Negative Space via CC0 License
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