How To Become a Software Engineer in Washington 2025

<p>Software engineering is an interdisciplinary field that combines elements of computer science and computer engineering. It focuses on using engineering principles and programming languages to build software systems for end-users. </p> <p>Because there are many types of software applications, this field offers career opportunities at various levels and across multiple industries. </p> <p>Software engineer educational requirements typically include a bachelor's degree. Luckily, there are many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/affordable_online_degrees_software_engineering.html">cheap software engineering degrees online</a> that provide an affordable but high-quality education. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatDoesASoftwareEngineerDo">What Does a Software Engineer Do?</h2> <p>Software engineers use programming languages, data structures, and frameworks to design, develop, test, and maintain all types of software. While specific tasks depend on specific roles, common daily tasks include: </p> <ul><li>designing and developing various software solutions or applications </li><li>testing new software and fixing bugs </li><li>ensuring software systems are compatible with the necessary platforms </li><li>updating software applications as needed and providing quality assurance </li><li>consulting with clients and other members of the development team to create software that meets the clients' needs </li></ul><p>There are different types of software engineers &mdash; some focus on tasks, and others focus on specific types of software. For example, game developers create video games; on the other hand, web developers create web applications. </p> <h2 id="section---5StepsToBecomeASoftwareEngineerInWashington">5 Steps To Become a Software Engineer in Washington</h2> <p>While it's possible to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_software_engineer_without_degree.html">become a software engineer without a degree</a>, most software engineers start with a degree program. We've broken down the steps below. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1EarnASoftwareEngineeringDegree">Step 1: Earn a Software Engineering Degree</h3> <p>In general, you'll need a degree to become a software engineer. An associate degree is the minimum, but many tech companies prefer to hire software engineers with at least a bachelor's degree. </p> <p>Associate degrees take about two years to complete, while bachelor's degrees take about four. Your software engineering degree program will likely include coursework on topics like: </p> <ul><li>algorithms </li><li>artificial intelligence and machine learning </li><li>cybersecurity basics </li><li>fundamentals of computer programming languages like Java, JavaScript, Python, CSS, and SQL </li><li>front-end, back-end, and full-stack development </li><li>information security </li><li>object-oriented programming </li><li>software design </li><li>web development </li></ul><p>A few Washington schools, like Gonzaga University and Washington State University, offer degrees specifically in software engineering or development. Many others in the state offer degrees in related fields like computer science, computer engineering, and information technology, which still provide a firm foundation for aspiring software engineers. </p> <h4 id="section---AlternateEducationalPathSoftwareEngineeringBootcamp">Alternate Educational Path: Software Engineering Bootcamp</h4> <p>In general, you'll need a degree to work in software engineering. But if a degree isn't in the cards for you just yet, you can start learning and gaining experience through bootcamps and certificate programs. </p> <p>These programs are usually available online through sites like Coursera and edX. You can even find <a href="https://learn.org/articles/free_software_engineering_courses.html">free software engineering courses</a>. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2DevelopYourSoftwareEngineeringSkills">Step 2: Develop Your Software Engineering Skills</h3> <p>Your software engineering program will not only teach you core software engineering skills but also allow you to develop those skills. A good degree program should cover both technical and soft skills. </p> <h4 id="section---TechnicalSkills">Technical Skills</h4> <p>Technical skills are those specifically related to your field of work. Software engineers need technical skills like: </p> <ul><li>Agile and Scrum project management </li><li>cloud computing </li><li>coding languages like Python and Java </li><li>database architecture </li><li>design testing and debugging </li><li>front-end development and back-end development </li><li>object-oriented programming </li><li>version control </li></ul><p>Utilize opportunities for hands-on experiences within your degree program, like projects and internships. You can also take advantage of platforms like GitHub, which offers open-source code. </p> <h4 id="section---SoftSkills">Soft Skills</h4> <p>Soft skills are professional abilities that are useful in a range of fields and industries. Soft skills for software engineers include: </p> <ul><li>attention to detail </li><li>critical thinking </li><li>multitasking </li><li>problem-solving </li><li>project management </li></ul><p>You can practice things like critical thinking and problem-solving skills during projects and internships as well. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3GainExperienceWithAnInternship">Step 3: Gain Experience With an Internship</h3> <p>Internships provide a great, real-world opportunity to sharpen your skills. They often also provide mentoring and a chance to network with others in the tech industry. </p> <p>Many large companies, like Amazon and Microsoft, offer internship opportunities. Both are good options for Washington students, as Amazon is headquartered in Seattle and Microsoft is headquartered in Redmond, WA. However, smaller startups offer internships as well. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4ApplyForAnEntryLevelJob">Step 4: Apply for an Entry-Level Job</h3> <p>Job hunting can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that software developers are in high demand, which should make it easier to secure a job. </p> <p>Leverage connections you made during your degree program and internship. Continue practicing your skills, and check job listings to see the requirements. You may need to gain some work experience in more entry-level roles, such as programming or testing, before advancing to a software engineering position. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 5: Consider a Master's Degree</h3> <p>While a master's degree is not required to become a software engineer, some companies prefer hiring those with a master's. These degrees also give you the opportunity to further your education in the field and, as a result, further your career. </p> <p>Schools like Washington State University offer a Master of Science in software engineering. Many other schools in Washington offer master's degrees in related fields or graduate certificates in specific aspects of computer science. </p> <h2 id="section---SoftwareDeveloperVs.SoftwareEngineerWhatSTheDifference">Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: What's the Difference?</h2> <p>The titles ''software developer'' and ''software engineer'' are often used interchangeably because the two roles are very similar. However, they aren't exactly the same. </p> <p>Software developers are more focused on tasks such as writing code and testing software applications. Their roles involve more work with coding languages, frameworks, databases, and quality assurance. </p> <p>Software engineers, meanwhile, are responsible for more advanced software engineering, like structural design. They still need skills like computer programming, but their job usually requires them to make high-level decisions that cover the scope of the software project. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatIsTheAverageSalaryOfASoftwareEngineerInWashington">What Is the Average Salary of a Software Engineer in Washington?</h2> <p>O*Net doesn't give salaries specifically for software engineers but does offer statistics for software developers. </p> <p>In Washington, software developers have a median salary of 166,910 per year, or roughly $80.24 per hour. This is high above the national average of $133,080 per year, or $63.98 per hour. </p> <p>Unsurprisingly, those in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area make the most, a median of $169,340 annually. Those in the Lewiston, ID metro area make the least, with a median of $97,910 annually. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingASoftwareEngineerInWashington">FAQs About Becoming a Software Engineer in Washington</h2> <p>Becoming a software engineer in an area with such large names can feel daunting. We've answered some frequently asked questions about becoming a software engineer to help you out. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatQualificationsDoINeedToBeASoftwareEngineerInWashington">What Qualifications Do I Need To Be a Software Engineer in Washington?</h3> <p>In general, you'll need a bachelor's degree to work as a software engineer in Washington. If you're hesitant about the cost, consider financial aid. With the right aid opportunities, you may be able to find <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_degrees_free_software_engineering.html">free online software engineering degrees</a>. </p> <p>You will also likely need a few years of experience in entry-level tech roles. Take advantage of internship opportunities to get hands-on experience early. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatJobsCanIDoWithABachelorSDegreeInSoftwareEngineering">What Jobs Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering?</h3> <p>A bachelor's degree in software engineering can open you up to many careers within the computer science field. Aside from working as a software engineer, this includes: </p> <ul><li>applications developer </li><li>cybersecurity manager </li><li>data scientist </li><li>information security analyst </li><li>quality assurance analyst </li><li>software developer </li><li>systems analyst </li><li>web developer </li></ul><h3 id="section---AreSoftwareDevelopersInDemandInWashington">Are Software Developers in Demand in Washington?</h3> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>, job openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are expected to increase 17% by 2023. This category includes software engineers. </p> <p>Those numbers are much higher for Washington. O*Net shows that jobs for this category will increase 30% in Washington in the same time frame. That's an opening of nearly 13,000 jobs per year. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatProgrammingLanguagesShouldILearnToBeAGoodSoftwareEngineer">What Programming Languages Should I Learn To Be a Good Software Engineer?</h3> <p>Computer programming is a key part of working with software. Some good programming languages to know to be a successful software engineer include: </p> <ul><li>C++ </li><li>C# </li><li>Java </li><li>JavaScript </li><li>Python </li><li>Scala </li><li>SQL </li></ul><h2 id="section---DiscoverSoftwareEngineeringDegrees">Discover Software Engineering Degrees</h2> <p>Find the perfect software engineering program for you by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to different schools to learn how they can help you reach your career goals.</p>