Discover the required skills, day-to-day job duties, salary potential, and common qualifications of a software developer. Explore industry statistics surrounding employment, job opportunities, and average weekly hours.
Overview
Software developers are comprised of three main sub-specialties: front end, back end, and full stack.
Front end software developers are responsible for building the user-facing elements of a program or website. These include the graphical aspects and design of a project, its user interface, the information displayed to the user, and its interactive functions
Back end software developers focus on the server-side of programs and websites, working with operating systems, programming APIs, web servers, and frameworks. They may create databases that collect, store, and organise information received from the front-end of applications.
Full stack developers combine both skills, tending to both the client-side (front-end) and server-side (back-end) of applications. They work on the entirety of an app or website (though depending on their skills or project requirements, they may still spend a majority of time on either the front or back-end code).
Employment for software developers is expected to grow very strongly in the next five years – with a projected 23.4% job growth, according to SEEK statistics.
Key Skills
Expansive knowledge of both front-end and back-end programming languages, including Python, Ruby, Javascript, HTML, and CSS
Excellent time management for handling multiple project tasks and demands
Strong understanding of design principles (required for UI design, UX design, prototype design, etc.)
Strong communication skills for collaborating with other developers on project progress and major decisions
Knowledge of different database types and how to interact with them
Knowledge of common security concerns and best practices
Quick Facts
Software developers can find work in most regions of Australia, with New South Wales and Victoria currently holding the largest share of workers. Weekly salary potential is currently higher ($2,003) than the all job average ($1,460) with plenty of opportunity for full-time work.
Salary Range
$50,000 - $99,000 (Median: $69,000)*
*Source: Payscale
Average Weekly Hours
41 hours (vs. all jobs average of 44 hours)*
*Source: Job Outlook
Main Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services; Financial and Insurance Services; and Public Administration and Safety
STUDY PATHWAYS
Getting the skills you need is simple by studying one of our information technology courses below.
ICT40120 - Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking)
ICT50220 – Diploma of Information Technology (Back End Web Development)
ICT50220 – Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking)
*Sources: payscale.com.au and joboutlook.gov.au – All information is to be used as a guide only, and are accurate at the time of publication.
