Software Engineer

Learn about the day-to-day job duties, annual salaries, and career opportunities of a software engineer. Discover statistics on industry growth, common qualifications, and average weekly hours.

Overview

Software engineers are responsible for designing, creating, and maintaining software systems – ranging from individual applications to online service platforms. These professionals typically oversee the entire development process, from the planning and prototyping stages to testing and maintenance.

Those in the field often work in teams with other developers, programmers, and UX specialists to see projects to completion. During the design phase, software engineers help others map out basic program needs and performance expectations, ensuring these align with client requirements. Once a product makes it to market, they typically work to improve the software, helping troubleshoot existing problems and create the appropriate patches.

Employment for software engineers is expected to grow very strongly in the next five years – with a projected 23.4% job growth, according to SEEK statistics.

Key Skills

  • Advanced knowledge of software systems, how they work, and their development process
  • Expert programming skills and knowledge of multiple languages, including Java, Python, Ruby, and .NET
  • Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating in teams and liaising with clients
  • Keen attention to detail for spotting and/or preventing software issues
  • Accounting/financial skills to ensure solutions are cost-effective, within budget, and efficient
  • Excellent leadership skills to guide teams through the software development process

Quick Facts

Software engineers 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

$57,000 – $112,000 (Median: $79,000)*

*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

Most Common Qualification Level

STUDY PATHWAYS

Getting the skills you need is simple by studying one of our information technology courses below.

*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.