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What Does it Take to Be a Systems Software Developer?

Systems Software Developer Definition 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.

What Do Systems Software Developers Do On a Daily Basis?

  • Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
  • Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
  • Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
  • Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status.
  • Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, or need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
  • Direct software programming and development of documentation.

What a Systems Software Developer Should Know

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.

Other Systems Software Developer Job Titles

  • System Testing and Evaluation Specialist
  • Systems Analyst Engineer
  • Usability Engineer
  • Secure Software Assessor
  • Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst)

Are There Job Opportunities for Systems Software Developers?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 425,000 jobs in the United States for Systems Software Developer. 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.

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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.

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Systems Software Developers who work in California, New Hampshire, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.

How much do Systems Software Developers make 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

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?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Systems Software Developer?

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Who Employs Systems Software Developers?

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Below are examples of industries where Systems Software Developers work:

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Other Jobs You May 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

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