CareersSoftware Engineer

SE

Verified Career Path

Software Engineer: Facts, Skills, and Next Paths

A Software Engineer designs, builds, and maintains the systems that power modern applications and services. Day-to-day work includes writing and testing code, debugging software artifacts, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, scalable solutions.

Core responsibilities include developing software in languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript/TypeScript, designing REST APIs, writing unit tests, and managing code with version control. Engineers work within Agile/Scrum teams, often contributing to cloud platforms and CI/CD pipelines. For example, at Microsoft Azure, engineers improve cloud infrastructure availability and reliability, while at Leidos, they develop geospatial intelligence software for the NGA.

The median salary for a Software Engineer is approximately $150,417. The most requested skills in current job postings are Object-Oriented Programming (60%), Software Development (60%), APIs (50%), JavaScript/TypeScript (50%), and Cloud Platforms (50%).

$120,109 – $190,873

9 resume skills

130 adjacent paths

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TA

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$120,109 – $190,873

Avg. Salary

18 paths

Adjacent Paths

67% avg. match

Avg. Match Score

34.7 shared skills

Shared Foundation

Live market pulse· updated 3d ago

Salary (live)

$120,109 – $190,873

median $150,417

Hiring now

10+ recent postings

Who's hiring

Microsoft, BAE Systems, Leidos

The Skill Blueprint for Software Engineer

The core competencies employers ask for. Use them to strengthen your resume, spot gaps, and compare related career options.

In demand right nowSoftware DevelopmentObject-Oriented Programming · 60%APIs · 50%JavaScript/TypeScript · 50%Cloud Platforms · 50%Agile/Scrum · 40%CI/CD · 40%Python or R · 40%

Where Else Can Software Engineer Skills Take You?

Build toward this role and you may be building toward several others. Explore the paths that share the same foundation.

Adjacent Paths from Software Engineer

Sort by:

1

Senior Software Engineer

46 shared skills · Engineering

76%

+$58kLateral shift

2

Senior Full-Stack Engineer

36 shared skills · Engineering

71%

−$29kLateral shift

3

Senior Backend Engineer

30 shared skills · Engineering

70%

−$25kLateral shift

4

Test Automation Engineer

33 shared skills · Engineering

69%

−$15kLateral shift

5

iOS Engineer

22 shared skills · Engineering

69%

−$8kLateral shift

6

Junior Software Engineer

36 shared skills · Engineering

68%

−$18kLateral shift

7

Staff Site Reliability Engineer

36 shared skills · Engineering

68%

+$26kLateral shift

8

Cloud Engineer

40 shared skills · Engineering

66%

+$1kLateral shift

9

Staff Software Engineer

32 shared skills · Engineering

66%

—Lateral shift

10

Principal Software Engineer

49 shared skills · Engineering

65%

+$9kLateral shift

11

Full-Stack Engineer

44 shared skills · Engineering

65%

−$23kLateral shift

12

Senior QA Engineer

23 shared skills · Engineering

65%

−$35kLateral shift

13

Android Engineer

22 shared skills · Engineering

64%

−$45kLateral shift

14

Site Reliability Engineer

41 shared skills · Engineering

64%

+$34kLateral shift

15

Backend Engineer

30 shared skills · Engineering

64%

+$26kLateral shift

16

Senior DevOps Engineer

33 shared skills · Engineering

64%

+$34kLateral shift

17

Data Platform Engineer

31 shared skills · Data

63%

−$20kCareer change

18

DevOps Engineer

40 shared skills · Engineering

63%

+$11kLateral shift

Showing the top 18 of 130 transitions — explore the rest via the Network map.

Why People Explore Software Engineer

High Impact Visibility

Software Engineers sit at a critical intersection in the organization. Your work directly ties to key business metrics — making your impact visible across teams and to leadership.

Resume Signal

The skills behind Software Engineer — System Design, REST APIs, Unit Testing — give you concrete language for resumes, interviews, and adjacent roles.