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Also known as computer software engineers, software developers create programs that are used daily by businesses and consumers across the globe. From e-commerce sites to interactive games, these tech professionals are highly prized by employers across virtually all industries. A software developer may choose to specialize in applications or systems. Applications developers design software intended for end users and may need to know programming languages such as Java, C++ and PHP. Developers working with systems may be responsible for overseeing network compatibility and data security. Individuals with good problem-solving skills and the ability to work as part of a team are best suited for a career as a software developer.

Average software developer salary, 2012 expectations

Software developers are a critical component of a business's success and have traditionally been well-compensated for their skills. In 2012, that trend will likely continue. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2010, the median income for applications developers was $87,790. Those working with systems had slightly higher incomes at $94,180. Systems developers working in the machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers industry had the highest average incomes. For applications developers, metal and mineral merchant wholesalers represented the top-paying industry in 2010.

Incomes can also vary depending upon experience and the employer. Salary.com determined the median income for entry level software developers was $57,346. With 5-10 years of experience, senior level software developers command a median income of $92,940.

Glassdoor.com allows site visitors to voluntarily share their salary information. According to the site, the 3,743 Microsoft software development engineers who shared their incomes have average annual earnings of $87,923. Meanwhile, Amazon software developers report average incomes of $90,936, and the average for Dell employees participating on the site is $84,427.

As home to the Silicon Valley, it isn't surprising that many software development jobs are available in California. However, there are other states worth considering for those who want to live somewhere with a lower cost of living. Consider these top paying metro areas for systems developers that also boast a lower cost of living than the West Coast:

• Jacksonville, N.C. ($153,080)
• Gainesville, Fl. ($127,500)
• Knoxville, Tenn. ($111,550)

Software developer schools and training

For most software development positions, a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering or computer information systems is the standard level of education required. Some advanced positions may require a master's degree. Both online and campus-based software developer schools offer these degree programs.

Although a degree is the minimum education needed, job candidates may be able to command higher salaries with additional software developer training. According to IEEE Computer Society, an industry group for computer professionals, those with skills in the following areas all had six-digit average salaries and above average job growth:

• ABAP - Advanced Business Application Programming: $109,157
• JDBC - Java Database Connectivity: $102,630
• UML - Unified Modeling Language: $102,579

Software developer jobs on the rise

Two of the fastest growing occupations in the nation fall into the field of software development. From 2008-2018, demand for applications software developers is expected to grow 34 percent. Meanwhile, jobs for systems software developers are expected to grow 30 percent during those same 10 years. Enroll in software developer training now to be ready to fill these 21^st Century jobs.