All About Systems Software Developers
Systems Software Developer Job Description Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Set operational specifications and formulate and analyze software requirements. May design embedded systems software. Apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.
A Day in the Life of a Systems Software Developer
- Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures.
- Consult with engineering staff to evaluate interface between hardware and software, develop specifications and performance requirements, or resolve customer problems.
- Specify power supply requirements and configuration.
- Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status.
- Coordinate installation of software system.
- Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, or need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Systems Software Developer?
These are the skills Systems Software Developers say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Software Systems Engineer
- Enterprise Systems Engineer
- Networking Engineer
- Systems Software Designer
- Systems Integration Engineer
Job Outlook for Systems Software Developers
There were about 425,000 jobs for Systems Software Developer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 47,100 new jobs for Systems Software Developer by 2026. The BLS estimates 32,900 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Systems Software Developer are Nevada, Utah, and Tennessee. Watch out if you plan on working in Idaho, Alaska, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Systems Software Developer
The typical yearly salary for Systems Software Developers is somewhere between $66,740 and $166,960.

Systems Software Developers who work in California, New Hampshire, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Systems Software Developers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $105,890 |
Alaska | $110,080 |
Arizona | $103,860 |
Arkansas | $85,830 |
California | $131,700 |
Colorado | $124,410 |
Connecticut | $102,440 |
District of Columbia | $115,610 |
Florida | $102,590 |
Georgia | $105,100 |
Hawaii | $97,510 |
Idaho | $97,310 |
Illinois | $108,570 |
Indiana | $90,850 |
Iowa | $91,920 |
Kansas | $94,240 |
Kentucky | $84,300 |
Louisiana | $76,200 |
Maine | $98,580 |
Maryland | $119,860 |
Massachusetts | $117,760 |
Michigan | $88,560 |
Minnesota | $110,460 |
Mississippi | $86,360 |
Missouri | $94,140 |
Montana | $77,560 |
Nebraska | $94,620 |
Nevada | $100,510 |
New Hampshire | $126,790 |
New Jersey | $123,370 |
New Mexico | $94,690 |
New York | $115,120 |
North Carolina | $105,760 |
North Dakota | $75,030 |
Ohio | $101,570 |
Oklahoma | $90,200 |
Oregon | $104,760 |
Pennsylvania | $103,520 |
Rhode Island | $103,930 |
South Carolina | $80,250 |
South Dakota | $90,430 |
Tennessee | $92,700 |
Texas | $110,740 |
Utah | $106,040 |
Vermont | $99,370 |
Virginia | $119,860 |
Washington | $121,250 |
West Virginia | $100,170 |
Wisconsin | $90,660 |
Wyoming | $88,310 |
What Tools do Systems Software Developers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Systems Software Developers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Python
- jQuery
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
How to Become a Systems Software Developer
Individuals working as a Systems Software Developer have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Systems Software Developer?

Who Employs Systems Software Developers?

Below are examples of industries where Systems Software Developers work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Are you already one of the many Systems Software Developer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Negative Space via CC0 License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |