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What did you do to become a software developer and what was your salary because of that?

What did you do to become a software developer and what was your salary because of that. Im slowly getting pieces of what it would be like to be a software developer.

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Rihem’s Answer

Hello Ryan !

Becoming a software developer typically involves the following steps:

Education: Many software developers start by earning a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. However, it's not uncommon for people to enter the field with other degrees or through self-study.

Programming Skills: Learning programming languages is essential. Common languages include Java, Python, C++, JavaScript, and more. Specializing in a particular area, like web development or mobile app development, can be helpful.

Projects and Practice: Building personal projects, contributing to open-source projects, or completing coding challenges is crucial for gaining practical experience. The more you code, the more you learn.

Internships or Entry-Level Positions: Landing internships or entry-level positions can provide valuable industry experience and networking opportunities.

Continuous Learning: The tech field is dynamic, so staying updated with the latest technologies and best practices is vital. This often involves online courses, workshops, and attending tech conferences.

As for salary, it can vary widely based on factors such as location, experience, and the specific job or company. In the United States, for example, entry-level software developers can expect to earn an average salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, but it can be lower or higher depending on the location (e.g., salaries in Silicon Valley tend to be higher) and the demand for specific skills. With more experience and expertise, software developers can earn six-figure salaries and more.

Keep in mind that salaries can differ significantly in different countries and regions. It's essential to research local salary data and consider the cost of living when evaluating potential earnings as a software developer.
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Andersen’s Answer

Thanks for asking, Ryan.

Initially, I pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering which covers a broad range of topics. However, after spending my first and second years exploring different subjects and participating in extracurricular projects, I became interested in embedded computer systems, computer architecture, and programming in general.

That's when I found the area of major to pursue and then started planning for my career as a software engineer. I changed my major to Computer Engineering, which is still relevant to Electrical Engineering, where I have gained a solid foundation but involves more programming skills, data structures, algorithms, etc.

Transitioning from Electrical Engineering to Computer Engineering provided me with opportunities for part-time jobs and internships in the software development area. I was able to put the experiences, projects, and skills needed as a software engineer on my resume by the time I graduated from college.

Speaking of salary, as of 2023, an entry-level software engineer in the great Austin area can expect to earn an annual salary close to or even more than $100k but can vary based on a number of factors, such as the location, the company, the industry, etc.

I hope that gives you a little more clarity about what it would be like to be a software engineer. Good luck!
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Fred’s Answer

My first job as a developer was almost 25 years ago, so what I made probably has little bearing on what you'd make today. And my salary today is based on my having almost 25 years of experience, so again, not entirely relevant to what you might make.

I had an unrelated degree. To get into IT, I then started taking many of the classes required for a CS degree - but just ones related to CS, not the broader ones like history or literature. I had almost taken all when I was offered a job.
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Francine’s Answer

Hello Fred!

My degree is in Electronics Systems Engineering and my first post degree job was as an embedded systems engineer.
I recently returned to the workplace after an 11 year career gap ( for family reasons) and although I have a lot of life experience, from a career point of view it's almost like starting over because the technology has moved on so much sine I first started.

While I was on career break, I used any spare time to study programming on Udemy. Java programming was something I wanted to learn as it is widely used and is object oriented. I started with that and moved on to learn about the Spring framework. I built a couple projects using what I'd learned. I was then able to list these skills and projects on my resumé and talk about the projects I had built at an interview.
I am happy enough with the salary so far. It is average for the region and the level I am at. I am continuing to learn more and apply what I learn in my job, so hopefully my salary will increase with experience and knowledge. It usually does.
My advice is to learn a programming language. It could be any language. Popular ones are JavaScript/TypeScript, Java, Python. An Object Oriented language is a good choice in my opinion. Then build a project. This is a really important step as it shows that you are able to apply what you've learned. There are lots of examples on the internet. Keep at it - persistence is key.
Best of luck!
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Catherine’s Answer

I've known quite a few people like the other posters who didn't have CS degrees. One of the most talented software engineers I worked with had a Music degree and his career started in a non-tech role. I typically encourage folks to get their foot in the door with a company with a significant IT department. So, even if you don't have the skills to start, you may have opportunity for training and movement. The other thing is this: When you start a company say in a non-tech role, maybe as customer support you get a good feel for the company systems, their product(as applicable ect). What you will find is that sometimes it is easier to learn software development when you have an actual tangible challenge and can see the value your code will bring to an organization. As a manager, I have hired folks into our software engineering groups that understood the business systems and how they could be improved. Personally, I held various office jobs (customer support, billing, AR/AP) and then moved to slightly more technical roles. When I started my first real technical job, I was an entry level sys admin and then dba, I moved into programming several years after, but caught the programming bug by teaching myself Perl to automate a lot of the tasks I was doing as an admin. Best of luck.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hey Ryan,

I didn't follow the traditional path of obtaining a specific educational degree or formal training in computer science to become a software developer. Instead, I took the self-taught route, learning programming languages and software development skills through online resources and by diving into hands-on projects.

My journey began with the basics of programming, which I acquired at high school in physics class in 1972. We used to mark cards with an HB pencil and send them to Queensland University Physics Department to the giant PDP-10 computer that occupied a whole floor of a building!

Beyond the 1990's I would refer to online tutorials and coding exercises. I relied on websites like Code Academy, Free Code Camp, and Coursera to learn Visual Basic and then .NET. To hone my skills, produced nutrition and dietary education software. I started consulting to people, building massive proprietary projects, applications to make biochemical medical reports.

In terms of salary, you can earn more than the average high school graduate, but less than a software developer with a bachelor's degree in computer science. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median annual salary for a software developer is approximately $114,140.

However, it's worth mentioning that salaries for software developers can vary significantly based on factors like location, experience, and the specific industry. Also, self-taught developers might earn less than those with a formal education in computer science.

To back up my points, here are three authoritative books you might find interesting:

1. "The Self-Taught Programmer: The Humble Beginnings of the Software Industry" by Cody Lindley
2. "So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love" by Cal Newport
3. "Coders: The Making of a New Tribe and the Remaking of Our World" by Clive Thompson

These books offer a detailed look at the software development industry, the skills needed to thrive as a self-taught developer, and valuable advice for those considering a career in software development.
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Randy’s Answer

Ryan,

Great question!

I did not attend college for Computer Science; in fact, I didn't admit until later in my career that I actually wanted to work in tech.

To start my own journey, I attended a bootcamp in Austin, TX.
It cost ~$13k for that bootcamp experience.
I also moved my family out of southern Cali to Texas, just to attend this bootcamp.

My first role was an Associate Web Developer, for a small startup in Austin... I accepted an offer $52k annually, along with a full line-up of benefits and cool perks.

I'm pretty sure your starting salary will depend on the company, location, and how much you prove yourself in your application, as a candidate.

Best of luck as you continue to piece together your mental model of this role, and the industry.

Keep the questions coming, because that clarity will help you along the way!
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Lauren’s Answer

Like some of the other answers here, the salary will depend on a number of factors. I will say that a junior software developer role could net you about 75k from the start if you have a bachelors degree or recently completed a good bootcamp. As long as you can show the interviewers at the company that you can easily show your engineering/coding skills and pick up new technology, you will be well on your way to that salary.

When you up-level your skills and receive a promotion, that could increase your salary by thousands of dollars. Another way to see salaries in your area is through a google search, or using Glassdoor.com where users can anonymously submit salaries. It's a good place to go when you are looking for jobs at a specific company as well.
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Atul’s Answer

I am retired now but if you have a degree in Computer Science or Mathematics - it will be easy to land a job
You have to have good analytical skills, patience and perseverance to be a good software developer.
My son who has Computer Eng degree passed with the honors and landed a job in Seattle making six figures salary from day one. This was 5 years ago.
Learn the computer languages and develop people’s skills to be successful.
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