How Many Computer Software Engineers Are There in the US?

Tyler Yates

According to recent statistics, the computer software engineering profession is one of the fastest-growing fields in the US. Today, software engineers are in high demand and play a critical role in the development of various industries such as healthcare, finance, education, and entertainment.

How Many Computer Software Engineers Are There in the US?

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were over 1.4 million computer software engineers working across different industries in the US as of May 2020. This number includes software developers and software quality assurance analysts. The BLS categorizes these professionals into two groups: applications developers and systems developers.

Applications Developers

Applications developers create computer applications that perform specific tasks for users. These can be mobile apps or desktop applications that run on operating systems such as Windows, iOS or Android. As per BLS data from May 2020, there were around 944,200 applications developers working in the US.

Systems Developers

Systems developers create operating systems that run on various devices such as smartphones, computers or servers. They also develop network control systems and database management systems among others. According to BLS data, there were around 474,100 system developers working in the US as of May 2020.

The Growth Rate of Computer Software Engineers

The employment growth rate for computer software engineers is projected to be much faster than average for all occupations between 2019-2029 at around 22 percent. This growth rate can be attributed to the increased demand for computer software solutions due to advancements in technology and an increase in e-commerce platforms.

  • Industry-wise Breakdown

The ever-increasing demand for technology has created a plethora of opportunities for software engineers across various industries such as:

  • Computer Systems Design and Related Services: Approximately 37% of all software engineers work in this industry, developing computer systems for businesses and organizations.
  • Manufacturing: The manufacturing industry is the second most significant employer of software engineers, with approximately 10% working in this sector.
  • Finance and Insurance: Approximately 8% of software engineers work in the finance and insurance industry. These professionals develop financial software applications such as trading platforms, risk management tools, and mobile banking apps.
  • Software Publishers: Approximately 5% of software engineers work for software publishers. They are responsible for developing and maintaining various types of software programs such as games, office suites, and antivirus programs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the computer software engineering profession is a rapidly growing field that plays a vital role in shaping modern-day society. The number of professionals working in this field is expected to continue growing at a faster rate than average over the next decade. With technological advancements continuing to shape our world, it’s an exciting time to be a part of this dynamic industry.