US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition
Computer Software Engineers and Computer Programmers
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos303.htm
JOB OUTLOOK
...Overall, employment of computer software engineers and computer programmers is projected to increase by 21 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations....
...Students seeking software engineering or programming jobs can enhance their employment opportunities by participating in internships....
JOB PROSPECTS
As a result of rapid employment growth over the 2008 to 2018 decade, job prospects for computer software engineers should be excellent. Those with practical experience and at least a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field should have the best opportunities.
Obtaining vendor-specific or language-specific certification also can provide a competitive edge.
EARNINGS
In May 2008, median annual wages of wage-and-salary COMPUTER APPLICATIONS SOFTWARE ENGINEERS were $85,430. The middle 50 percent earned between $67,790 and $104,870. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $53,720, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $128,870. Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer applications software engineers in May 2008 were as follows:
Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers $93,740
Software publishers 87,710
Management of companies and enterprises 85,990
Computer systems design and related services 84,610
Insurance carriers 80,370
In May 2008, median annual wages of wage-and-salary COMPUTER SYSTEMS SOFTWARE ENGINEERS were $92,430. The middle 50 percent earned between $73,200 and $113,960. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $57,810, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $135,780. Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer systems software engineers in May 2008 were as follows:
Scientific research and development services $102,090
Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing 101,270
Software publishers 93,590
Navigational measuring electromedical and control instruments manufacturing 91,720
Computer systems design and related services 91,610
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