How To Become a Software Engineer in New Jersey 2025

Information technology and computer science are varied fields with a multitude of specialties and career paths, including software engineering. Becoming a software engineer is a rewarding, hands-on career choice with ample room for growth.

Software engineering is in high demand, and software engineers are sought after for their expertise in web development and programming. Below, we'll cover how to become a software engineer in New Jersey, as well as facts and statistics about the average salary of software engineers, employment rates, and more.

What Is Software Engineering?

Software engineering is a field of computer science that deals with software systems, computer programming, and related areas, such as manufacturing. Software engineering requires problem-solving skills and a robust understanding of computer science.

While software engineers can make a substantial amount of money, earning a degree in software engineering can be expensive. One of the ways to cut down on the cost of your education is to look for the cheapest software engineering degrees online. This can allow you to earn your degree for a fraction of the cost of a traditional, in-person degree.

What Does a Software Engineer Do?

Software engineers use real-world problem-solving to develop, test, and modify computer programs. They have advanced knowledge of programming languages such as Python, C++, and Java.

Software engineering requires a distinct and more specialized skill set than computer engineering. Software engineers focus on algorithms, programming, and maintenance of software systems, while computer engineers handle both the software and hardware of computers.

5 Steps To Become a Software Engineer in New Jersey

Below are the five steps to become a software engineer in New Jersey, as well as the alternate education path if you don't have a degree.

Step 1: Earn a Software Engineering Degree

The first step most people take to becoming a software engineer is to earn a degree. Employers prefer a Bachelor of Science (BS), but it is possible to land a good software engineering job with an associate degree and hands-on experience.

A BS in software engineering typically takes four years to complete; it covers the design, development, and maintenance of software systems. One of the most important things students learn is programming code via JavaScript, Python, C++, and more. Students can also expect to learn about cybersecurity, algorithms and data structures, and artificial intelligence.

Alternate Educational Path: Software Engineering Bootcamp

It is possible to become a software engineer without a degree through software engineering bootcamps and online certifications. Bootcamps can help students build their skills without committing to a full-time, four-year degree.

It's important to note that employers look for candidates with a bachelor's degree and may hire a candidate with a bachelor's degree over someone with bootcamp certifications, even if they have years of experience.

Step 2: Develop Your Software Engineering Skills

As you earn your degree in software engineering, it's important to build up your skills. This can be done by completing software projects, receiving mentoring from a veteran programmer, or even working at a tech company while still in school.

It's important to learn about numerous methodologies and develop your skills in multiple settings to become a well-rounded software engineer. There are two kinds of skills one must develop to be a quality engineer: technical skills and soft skills.

Technical Skills

Technical skills are the tangible, hands-on skills that software engineers rely on when developing software. These include the mastery of data structures, software solutions, programming languages, and computer science expertise.

Soft Skills

Soft skills are just as important as technical skills but are commonly centered around professional development. Important soft skills include verbal and written communication, analytical and creative problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

Step 3: Gain Experience With an Internship

An internship is a great, beginner-friendly way to break into the field of software engineering. Many universities and educational institutions offer internship programs, but employers may also hire interns to learn more about the day-to-day tasks of a software engineer.

LinkedIn is one way to find internships at companies ranging from startups to huge corporations like Microsoft or Amazon.

Step 4: Apply for an Entry-Level Job

Once you gain some software engineering experience through coursework and an internship, you can begin to apply for entry-level jobs. Software engineers are in demand, with job opportunities growing faster than average in recent years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Entry-level software engineering typically deals with debugging, testing, and documenting code. Most beginner engineers work under the guidance or mentorship of a more senior engineer to develop their skills.

Step 5: Consider a Master's Degree

A master's degree is not required, though it can open up new career opportunities and lead to career advancement not possible without one. Earning a master's degree can allow you to specialize in niche areas like artificial intelligence development, cybersecurity, or software architecture.

It could also help you develop leadership skills and prepare for managerial positions — or even ownership of your own company.

Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: What's the Difference?

The main difference between a software developer and a software engineer is their scope of practice. Software developers may focus on writing code, implementing software, and building software features. Software engineers look at the broader picture of software development, including integration with existing systems and the overall system design.

That being said, there are many overlapping skills that both professions require. Reading and writing code, being able to build and test software, and understanding data systems and structured query language (SQL) are all examples of these necessary skills.

What Is the Average Salary of a Software Engineer in New Jersey?

The average salary for a software engineer is approximately $109,000, according to the State of New Jersey. This figure could become lower or higher depending on the company and the applicant's level of experience. For example, a bootcamp-educated employee at a startup might make significantly less, while a candidate with a master's degree applying to Microsoft could earn significantly more.

FAQs About Becoming a Software Engineer in New Jersey

Becoming a software engineer is a rewarding and high-paying decision. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about becoming a software engineer in New Jersey.

What Qualifications Do I Need To Be a Software Engineer in New Jersey?

The software engineer educational requirements are pretty simple. Good software engineers typically have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or another related field.

Still, many successful candidates receive their education through bootcamp-style trainings or online courses. There are even free software engineering courses to help you jumpstart your software engineering degree.

What Is the Job Outlook for an Entry Level Software Engineer?

Software engineering is a developing field in the entire state of New Jersey, with over 2,500 job openings available at the time of this article's publication. There has been strong growth in recent years that is expected to continue in the coming decade.

How Many Years Does It Take To Become a Software Engineer?

If you seek a bachelor's degree, it takes approximately four to five years to become a software engineer. This includes the time to completion of an average bachelor's degree, as well as an internship and additional courses and certifications.

It is possible to become a software engineer without a degree by taking online courses, but your job opportunities may not be as varied without a bachelor's degree.

What Are the Best Colleges in New Jersey for a Software Engineering Degree?

Many renowned universities in New Jersey offer software engineering degrees. One of the most notable is Stevens Institute of Technology, which is located in Hoboken and directly across from New York City. New Jersey Institute of Technology, located in Newark, also offers a world-class program in software engineering.

Discover Software Engineering Degree Programs

Software engineering is a well-paying and fast-growing field of study with room for growth in the coming years. To jumpstart your software engineering career, explore free online software engineering degrees today.