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Software Development - Software Developers
  1. Cybersecurity - Computer and Information Research Scientists
  2. Cybersecurity - Information Security Analysts
  3. Machine Learning - Data Scientist
  4. Data Management / Analytics - Database Administrators
  5. Data Management / Analytics - Electrical Engineers
  6. Data Management / Analytics - Computer Systems Analysts
  7. Networking - Computer Network Architects
  8. Networking - Network and Computer Systems Administrators
  9. Networking - Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
  10. Software Development - Software Developers
  11. Software Development - Computer Hardware Engineers
  12. Software Development - Computer Occupations, All Other

Software Developers

What They Do:

  • Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
  • Related occupations
  • Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
  • Related occupations
  • Develop testing programs that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
  • Related occupations
  • Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
  • Related occupations
  • Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.

Source: O*Net 2025

Sample Job Titles:

  1. Software Engineers
  2. DevOps Engineers
  3. Software Developers
  4. Java Developers
  5. Full Stack Developers

Source: O*Net 2025

Outlook in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area)

Employment (Q1 2023) 18,224
Projected Annual Growth 1.9%
Average Entry Level Salary $81,229
Median Salary $137,212

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Supply-Demand Snapshot: Software Developers (all levels)
Entry Level Job Ads
9665
Current Workforce
18,224

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Preferred Certifications

(Entry level jobs requiring a high school diploma, Associate’s degree, and Bachelor's degree)

  • Security Clearance

Top 10 Skills Requested

(entry level jobs requiring up through a bachelor’s degree)

  • Software Engineering
  • Python (Programming Language)
  • Software Development
  • Agile Methodology
  • Java (Programming Language)
  • Amazon Web Services
  • Java Script (Programming Language)
  • SQL (Programming Language)
  • Debugging

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Outlook in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV MSA MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area)

Employment (Q1 2023) 70,479
Projected Annual Growth 1.0%
Average Entry Level Salary $81,290
Median Salary $147,948

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Supply-Demand Snapshot: Software Developers (all levels)
Entry Level Job Ads
40,699
Current Workforce
70,479

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Preferred Certifications

(Entry level jobs requiring a high school diploma, Associate’s degree, and Bachelor's degree)

  • Security Clearance
  • Secret Clearance

Top 10 Skills Requested

(entry level jobs requiring up through a bachelor’s degree)

  • Agile Methodology
  • Python (Programming Language)
  • Amazon Web Services
  • Software Development
  • Software Engineering
  • Java (Programming Language)
  • JavaScript (Programming Language)
  • SQL (Programming Language)
  • Microsoft Azure

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Outlook in the Richmond, VA MSA MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area)

Employment (Q1 2023) 7,054
Projected Annual Growth 1.0%
Average Entry Level Salary $74,161
Median Salary $131,223

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Supply-Demand Snapshot: Software Developers (all levels)
Entry Level Job Ads
5,432
Current Workforce
7,054

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Preferred Certifications

(Entry level jobs requiring a high school diploma, Associate’s degree, and Bachelor's degree)

Top 10 Skills Requested

(entry level jobs requiring up through a bachelor’s degree)

  • SQL
  • AWS
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Python
  • Software Engineering
  • Java
  • Programming Languages
  • Software Development
  • Computer Science

Source: Lightcast. Datarun 2025.4

Largest Employers in the Region:

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