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Computer Systems Software Engineers: Average Salary Information

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Published Sep 10, 2009

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Computer systems software engineers get to turn their enthusiasm for computer science and design into a job creating the software businesses need. The career can be rewarding financially as well, with positions in some industries earning average salaries of more than $100,000 a year. Demand for computer systems software engineers is projected to continue to grow in the near future.

Computer Systems Software Engineer Career Summary

Computer software engineers design and implement computer programs for other users. Computer systems software engineers are a subset of this group, specializing in business software. They work with businesses and other organizations to create software that suits the company's specific needs. For instance, a computer systems software engineer might design and install a company's accounting or inventory database software.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), someone looking to become a computer systems software engineer should hold at least a bachelor's degree in computer information systems or computer science, preferably with experience in many types of computer systems. This experience can be earned through internship programs or in-house training provided by some computer companies.

Computer Systems Software Engineer Career Outlook and Salary Information

The BLS reports a strong employment outlook for computer systems software engineers. Employment for computer software engineers is expected to grow by 32% between 2008 and 2018, much faster than average for all occupations. The need for more complex data processing, as well as new Internet- and mobile-enabled technologies, will increase the demand for computer systems software engineers in business and government positions. In 2006, Money Magazine named software engineering as the best job in America based on factors like growth, stress level and creativity.

The average annual salary for Computer Systems Software Engineers in May 2008 was $94,520, as reported by the BLS. For certain industries, such as scientific research and semiconductor manufacturing, average salaries exceeded $100,000. With experience, software engineers can go on to become software engineer project leads or independent consultants.

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