Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers.

Currently Employed: 1,500

Projected Annual Job Openings: 50

Typical Hourly Wage: $33.06 - $48.68

Typical Annual Salary: $68,800 - $101,300

• Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.
• Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
• Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
• Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
• Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
• Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation.
• Consult with customers about software system design and maintenance.
• Supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians and other engineering and scientific personnel.
• Determine system performance standards.
• Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan computer specifications and layouts, and peripheral equipment modifications.

• Computer servers
• Flash memory storage card
• Integrated circuit testers
• Notebook computers
• Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers

• Data base management system software
• Development environment software
• Object or component oriented development software
• Program testing software
• Web platform development software