All About Systems Software Developers
Systems Software Developer Example 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.
Systems Software Developer Responsibilities
- Direct software programming and development of documentation.
- Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
- Specify power supply requirements and configuration.
- Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
- Coordinate installation of software system.
- Modify existing software to correct errors, to adapt it to new hardware, or to upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
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Skills Needed to be a Systems Software Developer
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:
- Software Architect
- Server Engineer
- Information Architect
- Software Development Engineer
- Certified Novell Engineer (CNE)
Job Outlook 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.
Salary for a Systems Software Developer
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.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Systems Software Developers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Systems Software Developers may use on a daily basis:
- 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 do I Become a Systems Software Developer?
What education is needed to be a Systems Software Developer?

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

Systems Software Developers Sector

Systems Software Developers work in the following industries:

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