Best Careers: Computer Software Engineer

The rundown:

If there's an app for something, there's a software engineer behind it. From video games to missile systems to, yes, your iPhone, almost every big idea in modern business is supported by software. The work of designing, building, maintaining, and integrating those increasingly complex systems continues to be one the fastest-growing corners of the job market. Engineers are involved at all levels of that process, from writing code, to debugging programs, to overseeing new software launches from start to finish—or just consulting on highly specialized programs they know best (and, sometimes, designed).

[See a list of The 50 Best Careers.]

The outlook:

Employment of computer software engineers is expected to swell by a whopping 295,200 jobs, or more than 32 percent, between 2008 and 2018, the Labor Department reports. That rate is well above the average for all occupations, as companies continually integrate new technologies and design their own. The fastest growth in the sector is happening among engineers working on highly specific applications, with business spending increasing in areas like cybersecurity and mobile technologies.

Money:

Salaries vary widely depending on experience, education, and technical skills. In 2009, median earnings in the industry ranged from $87,480 to $93,470 a year.

Upward mobility:

Engineers often start off writing code but can transition to more senior positions as software architects and project management positions over time.

Activity level:

Generally low. This job can involve long stretches in front of a computer screen.

[See a list of the best technology careers.]

Stress level:

Moderate. It's not uncommon for projects to involve long hours and tight deadlines. Some 15 percent of engineers worked more than 50 hours a week as of 2008, and many spend time troubleshooting during evenings and on weekends. Still, the job lends itself to telecommuting, which is becoming a popular option for many workers.

Education and preparation:

Most jobs will require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, and a master's degree is often needed for more complex jobs, but the real gold standard in the industry is in-depth knowledge of programming languages such as C++, Java, and C#, as well as other highly specialized programs that vary widely by industry. Also, unlike software programmers, engineers aren't always knee-deep in code. Positions will require technical skills, an understanding of how complex software systems function, and a knack for communicating between members of technical and business teams in a company.

[Find online degree programs in computer engineering.]

Real advice from real people about landing a job as a computer software engineer:

There is also a lot more to this profession than programming, says Dennis Frailey, a member of the IEEE Computer Society board of governors. "In any career, even in a computer career, you have to learn how to speak and write," Frailey says. "A lot of people think, 'Oh, if I know how to program, that's all I need to know.'" Many of the jobs in this field require strong management and interpersonal skills.

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