Software Developers

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.

Sample of reported job titles: Application Developer, Application Integration Engineer, Developer, DevOps Engineer (Development Operations Engineer), Infrastructure Engineer, Software Architect, Software Developer, Software Development Engineer, Software Engineer, Systems Engineer

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceCategoryTask
77
 
Core
Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
73
 
Core
Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
69
 
Core
Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
69
 
Core
Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
67
 
Core
Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status.
65
 
Core
Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
65
 
Core
Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
64
 
Core
Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.
63
 
Core
Determine system performance standards.
59
 
Core
Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
58
 
Core
Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
78
 
Supplemental
Monitor functioning of equipment to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
69
 
Supplemental
Coordinate installation of software system.
63
 
Supplemental
Supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians and other engineering and scientific personnel.
53
 
Supplemental
Supervise and assign work to programmers, designers, technologists, technicians, or other engineering or scientific personnel.
52
 
Supplemental
Obtain and evaluate information on factors such as reporting formats required, costs, or security needs to determine hardware configuration.
48
 
Supplemental
Train users to use new or modified equipment.

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Technology Skills Save Table: XLSX CSV

  • Access software — Citrix cloud computing software; PuTTY
  • Administration software — Software distribution management software
  • Analytical or scientific software — IBM SPSS Statistics Hot technology ; SAS Hot technology ; TensorFlow Hot technology ; The MathWorks MATLAB Hot technology ; 6 more
  • Application server software — Atlassian Bitbucket Hot technology ; GitLab Hot technology ; Kubernetes In-Demand Hot technology ; Red Hat OpenShift Hot technology ; 7 more
  • Authentication server software — Single sign-on SSO
  • Backup or archival software — Backup and archival software; Veritas NetBackup
  • Business intelligence and data analysis software — Alteryx software Hot technology ; IBM Cognos Impromptu; Microsoft Power BI Hot technology ; Tableau Hot technology ; 3 more
  • Cloud-based data access and sharing software — Dropbox; Google Drive; Platform as a service PaaS; Slack Hot technology
  • Cloud-based management software — Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation Hot technology ; IBM WebSphere MQ Hot technology ; Oracle Cloud software Hot technology ; Splunk Enterprise Hot technology ; 2 more
  • Clustering software — VMware
  • Communications server software — IBM Domino
  • Computer based training software — Moodle
  • Configuration management software — Chef Hot technology ; IBM Terraform In-Demand Hot technology ; Perforce Helix software; Puppet Hot technology ; 6 more
  • Content workflow software — Atlassian JIRA In-Demand Hot technology ; Emerald Software Group Emerald Green Office
  • Customer relationship management CRM software — Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge; Oracle Eloqua; Salesforce software Hot technology
  • Data base management system software — Amazon DynamoDB Hot technology ; Oracle Database Hot technology ; Oracle PL/SQL Hot technology ; Redis Hot technology ; 21 more
  • Data base reporting software — Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS Hot technology ; Oracle Business Intelligence Discoverer; SAP Business Intelligence; SAP Crystal Reports; 3 more
  • Data base user interface and query software — Airtable; Blackboard software; GraphQL Hot technology ; PyTorch Hot technology ; 15 more
  • Data mining software — Google Analytics Hot technology ; Snowflake Hot technology
  • Desktop communications software — Skype
  • Desktop publishing software — Adobe InDesign Hot technology ; Microsoft Publisher
  • Development environment software — Apache Kafka In-Demand Hot technology ; Apache Maven Hot technology ; Oracle Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition J2EE Hot technology ; Oracle SQL Developer Hot technology ; 62 more
  • Device drivers or system software — Microsoft DirectX
  • Document management software — Adobe Acrobat Hot technology ; Document management system software; Microsoft SharePoint Hot technology
  • Electronic mail software — Google Gmail; IBM Notes; Microsoft Exchange; Microsoft Outlook Hot technology
  • Enterprise application integration software — Extensible markup language XML In-Demand Hot technology ; Jenkins CI In-Demand Hot technology ; Microsoft Power Automate Hot technology ; Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services SSIS Hot technology ; 6 more
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software — Oracle PeopleSoft Hot technology ; SAP ERP Hot technology ; SAP software Hot technology ; Workday software Hot technology ; 9 more
  • Enterprise system management software — IBM Power Systems software
  • Expert system software — Ansible software Hot technology
  • File versioning software — Apache Subversion SVN Hot technology ; Git In-Demand Hot technology ; Version control software
  • Filesystem software — File server software
  • Financial analysis software — Delphi Technology; Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
  • Graphical user interface development software — Figma Hot technology ; Graphical user interface GUI builder software; Graphical user interface GUI design software; Salesforce Visualforce
  • Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Creative Cloud software Hot technology ; Adobe Illustrator Hot technology ; JamBoard; Trimble SketchUp Pro Hot technology ; 4 more
  • Information retrieval or search software — Apache Avro; LexisNexis
  • Instant messaging software — Blink; GroupMe
  • Internet directory services software — Microsoft Active Directory Hot technology
  • Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software — Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
  • Map creation software — ESRI ArcGIS software Hot technology
  • Metadata management software — Informatica software Hot technology ; Quest Erwin Data Modeler; Talend Data Fabric
  • Network conferencing software — LogMeIn GoToWebinar
  • Network monitoring software — Nagios; Wireshark
  • Network operation system software — IBM z/OS operating systems
  • Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software — Firewall software; Virtual private networking VPN software
  • Object or component oriented development software — Apache Spark Hot technology ; jQuery Hot technology ; Scala Hot technology ; TypeScript In-Demand Hot technology ; 34 more
  • Object oriented data base management software — Hibernate ORM Hot technology ; PostgreSQL In-Demand Hot technology
  • Office suite software — LibreOffice; Microsoft Office software Hot technology
  • Operating system software — Apple iOS Hot technology ; Google Android Hot technology ; Microsoft Windows Server Hot technology ; UNIX Shell Hot technology ; 21 more
  • Platform interconnectivity software — Migration software
  • Portal server software — Apache HTTP Server
  • Presentation software — Google Slides; Microsoft PowerPoint Hot technology
  • Procedure management software — Apache Airflow Hot technology
  • Process mapping and design software — Microsoft Visio Hot technology
  • Program testing software — Hewlett Packard LoadRunner; JUnit Hot technology ; Selenium Hot technology ; SonarQube; 21 more
  • Project management software — Atlassian Confluence Hot technology ; Microsoft Team Foundation Server Hot technology ; Microsoft Teams Hot technology ; Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management Hot technology ; 1 more
  • Requirements analysis and system architecture software — IBM Rational RequisitePro; Requirements management software; Unified modeling language UML
  • Sales and marketing software — Marketo Marketing Automation Hot technology
  • Spreadsheet software — Google Sheets Hot technology ; Microsoft Excel Hot technology
  • Storage networking software — Amazon Simple Storage Service S3; Storage area network SAN software
  • Switch or router software — Border Gateway Protocol BGP Hot technology
  • Transaction security and virus protection software — Encryption software; McAfee; NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
  • Transaction server software — Customer information control system CICS; IBM Middleware; Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS); Object Management Group Object Request Broker; 1 more
  • Video conferencing software — Cisco Webex Hot technology ; Google Meet; LogMeIn GoToMeeting; Zoom Hot technology ; 1 more
  • Video creation and editing software — Adobe After Effects Hot technology ; Flipgrid; Screencastify; YouTube; 1 more
  • Web page creation and editing software — Adobe Dreamweaver; Google Sites; Social media sites; WordPress Hot technology ; 1 more
  • Web platform development software — Bootstrap Hot technology ; React In-Demand Hot technology ; Spring Framework In-Demand Hot technology ; Vue.js Hot technology ; 31 more
  • Word processing software — 3M Post-it App; Google Docs Hot technology ; Microsoft OneNote; Microsoft Word Hot technology ; 1 more
Hot technology
Hot Technologies are requirements most frequently included across all employer job postings.
In demand
In Demand skills are frequently included in employer job postings for this occupation.

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Occupational Requirements

Work Activities Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceWork Activity
90
 
Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
85
 
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
84
 
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
83
 
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
81
 
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
80
 
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
78
 
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
77
 
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
76
 
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
74
 
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
70
 
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
69
 
Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
68
 
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
67
 
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
65
 
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
64
 
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
58
 
Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
57
 
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
46
 
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
43
 
Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
42
 
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
40
 
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
38
 
Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
35
 
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
34
 
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
33
 
Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
32
 
Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
32
 
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
31
 
Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
28
 
Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
27
 
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
17
 
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
17
 
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
17
 
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
16
 
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
15
 
Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
13
 
Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
5
 
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
3
 
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
3
 
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
2
 
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

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Detailed Work Activities Save Table: XLSX CSV

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Work Context Save Table: XLSX CSV

  • Spend Time Sitting — How much does this job require sitting?
    • 95%
      95%
       
      responded: Continually or almost continually
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?
    • 71%
      71%
       
      responded: Extremely important
    • 15%
      15%
       
      responded: Important
  • E-Mail — How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?
    • 13%
      13%
       
      responded: Once a year or more but not every month
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
    • 41%
      41%
       
      responded: A lot of freedom
    • 46%
      46%
       
      responded: Some freedom
    • 13%
      13%
       
      responded: Limited freedom
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
    • 41%
      41%
       
      responded: Extremely important
    • 44%
      44%
       
      responded: Very important
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals — How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?
  • Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
    • 35%
      35%
       
      responded: Constant contact with others
    • 17%
      17%
       
      responded: Contact with others about half the time
    • 15%
      15%
       
      responded: Occasional contact with others
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities — How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?
    • 16%
      16%
       
      responded: Extremely important
    • 46%
      46%
       
      responded: Very important
  • Time Pressure — How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
    • 13%
      13%
       
      responded: Every day
    • 40%
      40%
       
      responded: Once a week or more but not every day
    • 34%
      34%
       
      responded: Once a month or more but not every week
  • Telephone Conversations — How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers — How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
    • 13%
      13%
       
      responded: Very high responsibility
    • 50%
      50%
       
      responded: High responsibility
    • 30%
      30%
       
      responded: Limited responsibility
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?
    • 25%
      25%
       
      responded: Once a year or more but not every month
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
  • Duration of Typical Work Week — Number of hours typically worked in one week.
    • 90%
      90%
       
      responded: 40 hours
  • Level of Competition — To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
    • 40%
      40%
       
      responded: Highly competitive
    • 30%
      30%
       
      responded: Moderately competitive
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams — How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?
    • 16%
      16%
       
      responded: Once a month or more but not every week
    • 25%
      25%
       
      responded: Once a year or more but not every month
    • 13%
      13%
       
      responded: Never
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
    • 16%
      16%
       
      responded: Less than half the time
    • 42%
      42%
       
      responded: Never
  • Consequence of Error — How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?
    • 30%
      30%
       
      responded: Fairly serious
    • 13%
      13%
       
      responded: Not serious at all
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
    • 49%
      49%
       
      responded: Moderate results
    • 31%
      31%
       
      responded: Minor results
    • 13%
      13%
       
      responded: No results
  • Frequency of Decision Making — How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
    • 39%
      39%
       
      responded: Once a year or more but not every month
  • Degree of Automation — How automated is the job?
    • 48%
      48%
       
      responded: Moderately automated
    • 17%
      17%
       
      responded: Slightly automated
    • 31%
      31%
       
      responded: Not at all automated
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers — How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
    • 13%
      13%
       
      responded: Very high responsibility
    • 58%
      58%
       
      responded: No responsibility
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General — How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?
  • Conflict Situations — How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
  • Physical Proximity — To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?
    • 31%
      31%
       
      responded: Slightly close (e.g., shared office)
    • 61%
      61%
       
      responded: I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)
  • Public Speaking — How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?
  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People — How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
    • 45%
      45%
       
      responded: Once a year or more but not every month
    • 55%
      55%
       
      responded: Never
  • Spend Time Standing — How much does this job require standing?
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)
    • 16%
      16%
       
      responded: Important
    • 83%
      83%
       
      responded: Not important at all
  • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
  • Spend Time Walking or Running — How much does this job require walking or running?
    • 27%
      27%
       
      responded: Less than half the time
    • 72%
      72%
       
      responded: Never
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?
  • Exposed to High Places — How often does this job require exposure to high places?
  • Written Letters and Memos — How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?
    • 90%
      90%
       
      responded: Never
  • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions — How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
    • 14%
      14%
       
      responded: Once a year or more but not every month
    • 84%
      84%
       
      responded: Never
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable — How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
    • 94%
      94%
       
      responded: Never
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?
    • 95%
      95%
       
      responded: Never
  • Exposed to Contaminants — How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
    • 97%
      97%
       
      responded: Never
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections — How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
    • 98%
      98%
       
      responded: Never
  • Exposed to Radiation — How often does this job require exposure to radiation?
    • 98%
      98%
       
      responded: Never
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
    • 95%
      95%
       
      responded: Never
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment — How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?
    • 98%
      98%
       
      responded: Never
  • Outdoors, Under Cover — How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?
    • 98%
      98%
       
      responded: Never
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body — How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
    • 96%
      96%
       
      responded: Never
  • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance — How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?
    • 98%
      98%
       
      responded: Never
  • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling — How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?
    • 98%
      98%
       
      responded: Never
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?
    • 97%
      97%
       
      responded: Never
  • Work Schedules — How regular are the work schedules for this job?
    • 98%
      98%
       
      responded: Regular (established routine, set schedule)
  • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People — How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      responded: Never
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
    • 99%
      99%
       
      responded: Never
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
    • 99%
      99%
       
      responded: Never
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      responded: Never
  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration — How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      responded: Never
  • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment — How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?
    • 100%
      100%
       
      responded: Never
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions — How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
    • 99%
      99%
       
      responded: Never
  • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles — How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?
    • 99%
      99%
       
      responded: Never

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Experience Requirements

Job Zone Save Table: XLSX CSV

Title
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Related Experience
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Job Zone Examples
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
SVP Range
(7.0 to < 8.0)

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Training & Credentials

State training
Local training
Certifications
State licenses

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Apprenticeship Opportunities

Example apprenticeship titles for this occupation:

  • Application Developer
  • Commercial Drone Software Developer

Specific title(s) listed above are vetted by industry and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor for use in a Registered Apprenticeship Program.

Start your career and build your skillset. Visit Apprenticeship.gov external site to learn about opportunities related to this occupation.

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Worker Requirements

Skills Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceSkill
75
 
Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
72
 
Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
66
 
Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
63
 
Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
63
 
Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
63
 
Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
60
 
Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
60
 
Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
60
 
Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
60
 
Technology Design — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
56
 
Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
56
 
Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
53
 
Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
53
 
Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
50
 
Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
50
 
Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
47
 
Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
47
 
Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
47
 
Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
44
 
Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
44
 
Operations Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
44
 
Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
44
 
Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
41
 
Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
41
 
Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
41
 
Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
31
 
Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
28
 
Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
28
 
Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
25
 
Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
22
 
Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
19
 
Management of Financial Resources — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
16
 
Management of Material Resources — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
6
 
Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
3
 
Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

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Knowledge Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceKnowledge
94
 
Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
64
 
Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
64
 
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
57
 
English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
46
 
Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
45
 
Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
43
 
Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
41
 
Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
39
 
Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
39
 
Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
37
 
Economics and Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
34
 
Personnel and Human Resources — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
31
 
Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
30
 
Sales and Marketing — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
28
 
Administrative — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
19
 
Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
19
 
Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
18
 
Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
15
 
Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
10
 
Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
8
 
Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
7
 
Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
7
 
Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
6
 
Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
4
 
Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
4
 
Foreign Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
4
 
Philosophy and Theology — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
3
 
Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
3
 
Food Production — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
1
 
History and Archeology — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
1
 
Therapy and Counseling — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
0
 
Fine Arts — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
0
 
Medicine and Dentistry — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

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Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:

  • 85%
     
    responded: Bachelor’s degree required
  • 5%
     
    responded: Associate’s degree required
  • 5%
     
    responded: Master’s degree required

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Worker Characteristics

Abilities Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceAbility
69
 
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
69
 
Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
69
 
Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
69
 
Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
69
 
Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
69
 
Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
66
 
Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
63
 
Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
63
 
Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
63
 
Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
60
 
Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
56
 
Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
53
 
Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
53
 
Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
50
 
Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
47
 
Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
41
 
Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
41
 
Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
38
 
Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
38
 
Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
35
 
Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
35
 
Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
31
 
Memorization — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
25
 
Time Sharing — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
25
 
Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
22
 
Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
19
 
Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
19
 
Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
19
 
Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
19
 
Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
19
 
Wrist-Finger Speed — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
16
 
Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
13
 
Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
13
 
Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
10
 
Dynamic Strength — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
3
 
Response Orientation — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
0
 
Dynamic Flexibility — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
0
 
Explosive Strength — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
0
 
Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
0
 
Glare Sensitivity — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
0
 
Gross Body Coordination — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
0
 
Gross Body Equilibrium — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
0
 
Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
0
 
Night Vision — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
0
 
Peripheral Vision — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
0
 
Rate Control — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
0
 
Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
0
 
Sound Localization — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
0
 
Spatial Orientation — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
0
 
Speed of Limb Movement — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
0
 
Stamina — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
0
 
Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

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Interests Save Table: XLSX CSV

Occupational InterestInterest
81
 
Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
74
 
Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
49
 
Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
21
 
Artistic — Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
15
 
Enterprising — Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
15
 
Social — Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

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Work Styles Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImpactWork Style
89
 
Attention to Detail — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
84
 
Innovation — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
80
 
Dependability — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
78
 
Intellectual Curiosity — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
71
 
Achievement Orientation — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
70
 
Adaptability — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
60
 
Integrity — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
59
 
Cautiousness — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
59
 
Perseverance — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
57
 
Tolerance for Ambiguity — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
53
 
Initiative — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
49
 
Self-Confidence — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
42
 
Stress Tolerance — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
40
 
Cooperation — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
38
 
Leadership Orientation — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
29
 
Social Orientation — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
23
 
Self-Control — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
22
 
Sincerity — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
19
 
Humility — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
16
 
Optimism — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
14
 
Empathy — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

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Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2024)
$63.98 hourly, $133,080 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2024)
1,693,800 employees
Projected growth (2024-2034)
Much faster than average (7% or higher)
Projected job openings (2024-2034)
115,200
State trends
Top industries (2024)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 wage data external site and 2024-2034 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2024-2034). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

State job openings
Local job openings

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More Information

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Professional Associations

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

National Associations
Regional Associations
Accreditation, Certification, & Unions

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