To become a software engineer, you'll typically earn a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field such as engineering or math, build programming experience through coursework, projects or an internship, then apply for entry-level developer roles. Some employers prefer a master's degree for certain positions.
Software engineer is the job title most companies use. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) counts the same work under software developers, so that's where the official figures below come from.
Figures come from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, read on 26 October 2026.
How to become a software engineer, step by step
- Pick a relevant degree. Computer and information technology is the standard route, with engineering and mathematics as common alternatives.
- Learn to program well. BLS says developers usually gain their programming background in school, and they must keep up with new tools and languages throughout their careers.
- Get an internship. BLS notes students often gain experience through an internship at a software company during college.
- Build things people can see. A portfolio of projects shows employers you can ship working software, not just pass exams.
- Apply for entry roles. Junior developer and quality assurance roles are both ways in.
Coding isn't the main part of the job
Here's the insight that changes how you should prepare. BLS says that although writing code isn't a software developer's primary responsibility, developers must have a strong background in programming. The core of the job is working out what users need, designing the software and working with teams to build and test it.
So don't spend all your prep on algorithm puzzles. Practice turning a vague request into a clear plan, explaining trade-offs and reading other people's code. Those are the skills that show up in interviews and in your first year.
What software engineers earn
| Industry | Median pay, May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Software publishers | $164,550 |
| Manufacturing | $136,330 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | $135,680 |
| Finance and insurance | $135,460 |
| Computer systems design and related services | $132,050 |
Those figures are as of October 2026. Across all industries, the median for software developers was $135,980, with the lowest 10% earning less than $82,460 and the highest 10% more than $214,670. Quality assurance analysts and testers had a median of $104,300, which makes QA a reasonable stepping stone.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers to grow 10% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 106,100 openings each year. There were 1,905,400 jobs in the group in 2025.
Getting your first role
Most developers work in offices on teams, though remote roles exist too. If you're starting out, these remote software engineer jobs for juniors show where entry roles appear, and this software engineer cover letter guide helps your application stand out. Switching from another field? Read about moving into software engineering mid-career.
Where it can lead
BLS says software developers can advance to project management specialist roles or to computer and information systems manager, overseeing the whole development process. Many also specialize, for example in applications or systems software.
What the work looks like
BLS lists these typical duties for software developers:
- Analyzing users' needs, then designing and developing software to meet them
- Recommending upgrades to customers' existing programs and systems
- Designing each piece of an application and planning how the pieces work together
- Creating models and diagrams that show programmers the code needed
- Keeping programs working through maintenance and testing
- Documenting every part of a system for future upgrades
The qualities BLS highlights are analytical skills, creativity, attention to detail and communication, including explaining to nontechnical customers how the software works. That last one surprises a lot of new developers, but it's often what separates a good engineer from a great one.
Questions to ask yourself first
- Do I enjoy solving problems for other people? The job starts with users' needs, not with code.
- Am I happy to keep learning for my whole career? BLS says developers must keep up with new tools and computer languages.
- Would I rather build or test? QA analysts and testers are a separate, well-paid path inside the same field.
- Can I explain my work simply? You'll need to talk to customers and teammates who don't code.
If those answers sound like you, the degree and the practice are well worth it.
The QA route in
If you'd rather break things than build them, quality assurance is a strong way into the industry. BLS says QA analysts and testers create test plans and scenarios for new software, identify project risks, run manual, automated and exploratory testing, report defects and give developers feedback on usability. It's the same teams, the same products and many of the same skills, and plenty of people move between the two roles.
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My verdict
Becoming a software engineer still usually starts with a degree, but what gets you hired is proof you can build and communicate. Earn the degree or an equivalent foundation, land an internship if you can, and show real projects. With strong pay and growth well above average, it's one of the most rewarding technical careers to aim for.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a degree to become a software engineer?
BLS says developers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, and some employers prefer a master's.
How much do software engineers make?
BLS reports a median of $135,980 a year for software developers in May 2025, and $164,550 at software publishers.
Is software engineering a growing field?
Yes. BLS projects 10% growth from 2025 to 2035 for developers, QA analysts and testers.
What's the difference between a software engineer and a software developer?
They're largely the same work. BLS counts it under software developers, and many companies use the engineer title.
Is coding the main part of the job?
No. BLS says writing code isn't a developer's primary responsibility, though a strong programming background is essential.
Can QA testing lead to software engineering?
It can be a way in. QA analysts and testers work alongside developers and had a median of $104,300 in May 2025.
What can software engineers move into later?
Project management specialist roles or computer and information systems manager positions, according to BLS.
What skills do software engineers need?
BLS highlights analytical skills, creativity, attention to detail and communication, including explaining software to nontechnical users.
Do software engineers work in teams?
Usually. BLS says they often work in offices on teams with other developers and with QA analysts and testers.
