What is a Systems Software Developer?
Job 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
- Specify power supply requirements and configuration.
- Design or develop software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
- Coordinate installation of software system.
- Consult with engineering staff to evaluate interface between hardware and software, develop specifications and performance requirements, or resolve customer problems.
- Direct software programming and development of documentation.
- Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, or need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
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What a Systems Software Developer Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Systems Software Developers say are important on the job.
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Types of Systems Software Developer Jobs
- Computer Systems Engineer
- Operating Systems Specialist
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Graphic Engineer
- Software Systems Engineer
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.
Systems Software Developer Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Systems Software Developer ranges 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 kind of Systems Software Developer requirements are there?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Systems Software Developer?
Where Systems Software Developers Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
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.
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