What is a Systems Software Developer?
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.
List of Systems Software Developer Job Duties
- Advise customer about or perform maintenance of software system.
- Specify power supply requirements and configuration.
- Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
- Modify existing software to correct errors, to adapt it to new hardware, or to upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
- Consult with engineering staff to evaluate interface between hardware and software, develop specifications and performance requirements, or resolve customer problems.
- Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Systems Software Developer?
Systems Software Developers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Types of Systems Software Developer
- Systems Support Engineer
- Operating Systems Specialist
- Software Architect
- Systems Engineer
- Computer Systems Software Engineer
Job Demand for Systems Software Developers
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 425,000 jobs in the United States for Systems Software Developer. 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. There will be an estimated 32,900 positions for Systems Software Developer per year.

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.
Systems Software Developer Average Salary
The salary for Systems Software Developers ranges between about $66,740 and $166,960 a year.

Systems Software Developers who work in California, New Hampshire, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Systems Software Developers make in different U.S. states?
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Systems Software Developers
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
Education needed to be a Systems Software Developer:

What work experience do I need to become a Systems Software Developer?

Where Systems Software Developers Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
Those who work as a Systems Software Developer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
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 > |