Software Developers
SOC Code: 15-1252 Job Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Software Developers. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $149,365 | $187,741 | $226,138 | $264,514 |
| Boulder, CO | $106,246 | $146,058 | $185,869 | $225,680 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $135,699 | $161,637 | $187,574 | $213,512 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $97,989 | $136,386 | $174,782 | $213,179 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $117,749 | $149,240 | $180,710 | $212,202 |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area | $69,514 | $115,731 | $161,928 | $208,146 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $71,843 | $113,402 | $154,981 | $196,539 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | $100,630 | $131,186 | $161,720 | $192,275 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $103,210 | $131,997 | $160,805 | $189,592 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $106,621 | $133,640 | $160,659 | $187,678 |
H-1B Filing Data
Top H-1B Employers
| Employer | Filings | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Corporation | 16,560 | $168,060 |
| Amazon.com Services LLC | 15,758 | $163,279 |
| Google LLC | 14,849 | $258,097 |
| WAL-MART ASSOCIATES, INC. | 6,590 | $181,022 |
| Apple Inc. | 6,206 | $247,900 |
| Meta Platforms, Inc | 5,813 | $271,164 |
| JPMORGAN CHASE & CO. | 5,732 | $155,942 |
| AMAZON WEB SERVICES, INC. | 5,576 | $156,434 |
| DELOITTE CONSULTING LLP | 4,372 | $372,010 |
| AMAZON DEVELOPMENT CENTER U.S., INC. | 4,250 | $154,970 |
Filing Trend
| Year | Filings | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 17 | $117,324 |
| 2022 | 34,225 | $147,929 |
| 2023 | 95,144 | $186,333 |
| 2024 | 164,349 | $261,776 |
| 2025 | 173,159 | $370,912 |
| 2026 | 27,260 | $365,951 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Programming | 4.0 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.9 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.6 | |
| Systems Analysis | 3.5 | |
| Active Learning | 3.5 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.5 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.4 | |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.4 | |
| Active Listening | 3.4 | |
| Technology Design | 3.4 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Computers and Electronics | 4.8 |
| Mathematics | 3.6 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.6 |
| English Language | 3.3 |
| Education and Training | 2.8 |
| Engineering and Technology | 2.8 |
| Design | 2.7 |
| Telecommunications | 2.6 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 84.8% |
| Associate's degree | 5.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 4.5% |
| High school diploma | 3.1% |
| Some college | 1.7% |
Typical Tasks
- Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
- Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
- Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
- Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
- Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
- Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.
- Determine system performance standards.
- Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
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