Software Engineer Career Path 2024: Overview, Jobs, and Pay
Use this article to follow the timeline of a software engineer career path and learn about specializations within the field.
October 31, 2023
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Learn more about the skills and certifications you need for a career as software or DevOps engineer, mainframe developer, QA tester, and more.
Explore popular software development courses
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing, Cloud Applications, Computer Programming, IBM Cloud, Software Engineering, Javascript, Web Development, Application Development, Programming Principles, Software Engineering Tools, Cloud Infrastructure, Full-Stack Web Development, Cloud API, Cloud Management, Cloud Platforms, Agile Software Development, Cloud Storage, Communication, DevOps, Software Architecture, Software As A Service, Continuous Integration, Software Testing, Continuous Delivery, Docker (Software), Front-End Web Development, Leadership and Management, Product Management, Software-Defined Networking, Django (Web Framework), NoSQL, Collaboration, Python Programming, SQL, Computer Science, Data Analysis, Kubernetes, Mergers & Acquisitions, React (web framework)
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Skills you'll gain: Software Engineering, Computer Programming, Software Engineering Tools, Application Development, Programming Principles, Software Architecture, Agile Software Development, Communication, Product Management, Software-Defined Networking, Python Programming
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
DeepLearning.AI
Skills you'll gain: Machine Learning, Software Engineering
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 1 - 3 Months
Software development covers a wide variety of skills and careers, from programming to quality assurance to DevOps. With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore software development topics, including:
Software developers design specific computer systems and application software. Software engineers work on a larger scale to design, develop, and test entire computer systems and application software for a company or organization—software development is a subset of software engineering.
Read more: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: What Are the Differences in These Roles
Many factors can affect individual earnings. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)*, the median pay in the US for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers was $124,200 per year as of 2022.
*US Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Occupational Outlook Handbook: Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm." Accessed January 26, 2024.
Here are a few things to consider when deciding which programming language to learn:
Current skill level. Some languages have a steeper learning curve than others. If you're brand new to programming, it's best to select a language that is beginner-friendly.
End goals. You may want to learn a programming language to accomplish a specific task, for example, creating a video game. Or, you might be interested in starting a career in programming. Either way, identifying your goals will help guide you in the right direction.
Popularity. Some programming languages are more widely used than others. Choosing a popular programming language can help you build in-demand skills and provide you with more resources and a larger community of programmers.
Read more: What Programming Language Should I Learn?