Technology
Software Developer
Write the code behind apps, websites, and platforms. Broad role spanning frontend, backend, mobile, and full-stack.
remote-friendlyhigh-growthhigh-pay
77
ROI · Excellent
Investment vs return
Cost · time · demand normalized 0–100
Salary progression
What you'll earn over your career
$75k
$115k
$175k
Entry
Mid-career
Senior
10-yr outlook
+25%
+25% (Much faster than avg)
Open positions
195,000
Estimated nationwide
Entry paths
How to get here
Multiple paths lead to this career. Compare time, cost, online vs in-person delivery, and program links.
Bootcamp Hybrid
Full-Stack Dev Certificate
Time
3–9 months
Cost
$10,000 – $20,000
Top bootcamps have strong placement records.
Degree In Person
BS Computer Science
Time
4 years
Cost
$40,000 – $200,000
Default path for FAANG-tier roles.
Fastest ROI
Self-taught Online
Portfolio + open-source
Time
12–24 months
Cost
Paid / Free
Viable with strong portfolio.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the program links above may be affiliate partnerships. If you enroll, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to programs we have actually reviewed against our methodology. See our methodology for how we evaluate schools.
Quick math
If you took the fastest path…
You'd train for
12–24 months
You'd spend (avg)
Paid / Free
Starting salary
$75,000
Mid-career
$115,000
Read more
Articles & resources
Sources: BLS OOH 2024 · Stack Overflow Survey