What is a system software developer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted Experts
Frank McCown Ph.D.,
Kevin Treu Ph.D.

Systems software developers are responsible for developing software used on a system level. They research and design software that they install and operate as well. They might work in various fields from business to medicine, the military, telecommunications, science, and many more.

As a systems software developer, your job will be to set specifications for the systems to run. You will analyze and formulate software requirements, correct potential errors, and adapt upgraded software to new hardware to improve the performance of the system.

You will work together and consult engineering staff and test systems regularly. You will have to be available to troubleshoot and resolve customers' issues as well as train staff to use updates and improved systems.

What general advice would you give to a System Software Developer?

F

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

The market is stable for software developers, despite the economic challenges created by the pandemic. Before accepting a job offer, talk to the company's employees through online meetings or email, and see what they think of the company. Do they enjoy their work? Are there opportunities to learn new technologies? How does the company treat their employees? There's a good chance you will be working remotely in your first job, so you will need to exercise a lot of self-discipline, be punctual for online meetings, do the work you've been assigned, and know when to ask questions when you get stuck. Expect a steeper-than-normal learning curve if you are working remotely instead of in an office.
ScoreSystem Software DeveloperUS Average
Salary
7.8

Avg. Salary $108,328

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
4.0

Growth Rate 21%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 29.79%

Black or African American 4.60%

Hispanic or Latino 8.37%

Unknown 4.85%

White 52.23%

Gender

female 13.25%

male 86.75%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress Level
4.0

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
7.9

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.6

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

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System Software Developer career paths

Key steps to become a system software developer

  1. Explore system software developer education requirements

    Most common system software developer degrees

    Bachelor's

    74.5 %

    Master's

    13.3 %

    Associate

    6.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific system software developer skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Python10.64%
    Java9.37%
    Software Development8.85%
    JavaScript6.49%
    Linux5.00%
  3. Complete relevant system software developer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New system software developers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a system software developer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real system software developer resumes.
  4. Research system software developer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage Unix server providing Telefonica implementation support for new billing process.
    • Implement a centralize configuration system for managing application settings, consisting of a desktop application with a WCF backend.
    • Develop client request validations and processing using JavaScript and HTML.
    • Improve existing code (php, html, asterix), design and implement new features.
  5. Prepare your system software developer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your system software developer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a system software developer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable System Software Developer Resume templates

    Build a professional System Software Developer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your System Software Developer resume.
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    System Software Developer Resume
    System Software Developer Resume
  6. Apply for system software developer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a system software developer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First System Software Developer Job

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Are you a System Software Developer?

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Average system software developer salary

The average System Software Developer salary in the United States is $108,328 per year or $52 per hour. System software developer salaries range between $81,000 and $144,000 per year.

Average System Software Developer Salary
$108,328 Yearly
$52.08 hourly

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How do system software developers rate their job?

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System Software Developer reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2023
Pros

Problem solving and cutting edge technology - always learning and evolving my skill set

Cons

Still have to deal with people :)


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I enjoyed working on creative problems that dealt with the user interface

Cons

I didn't like how technical it could become


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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Pros

Designing a new system or making changes to an old one.

Cons

Compensation. Pay and Benefits do not match the time spent on a project. Alabama is the Worst state to live in for SOFTWARE ENGINEER Salaries. 40 to 50 percent less than our peer States.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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