Discovering the Number of Software Engineers in the US

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Are you curious about how many software engineers there are in the United States? You're not alone! In the tech industry, workforce statistics are constantly changing as new professionals enter and others retire. This article takes a deep dive into discovering the number of software engineers in the US.

According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 1.4 million computer and information technology jobs in the US in 2019. Of those, it's estimated that roughly 480,000 were software developers or engineers. However, determining the exact number of software engineers is difficult since the profession spans a variety of industries and specialties.

Despite the challenges, this article will explore different methods used to estimate the number of software engineers in the US, including industry surveys and government databases. We'll also examine trends such as job growth, salary ranges, and educational requirements for software engineering careers.

If you're interested in learning more about the current state of the software engineering industry in the United States, read on to discover the estimated number of professionals in this field and what the future may hold for those pursuing a career in software development.


Diving into the Number of Software Engineers in the US

The software engineering industry is consistently growing and changing, making it difficult to determine the exact number of professionals in the field. However, recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were around 480,000 software developers or engineers in the United States in 2019.

The Challenges in Estimating the Exact Number of Software Engineers

While the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides an estimate on the number of software engineers in the US, it's important to note that determining the exact number is difficult. The profession spans across multiple industries and specialties, making it difficult to get an accurate count. Additionally, there are always new professionals entering the industry and others retiring, leading to constantly changing workforce statistics.

The Methods Used to Estimate the Number of Software Engineers in the US

To estimate the number of software engineers in the US, industry surveys and government databases are often used. These surveys and databases allow for a more in-depth analysis of workforce statistics and can provide a more accurate count of professionals in the field.

Using Industry Surveys to Estimate the Number of Software Engineers

Industry surveys are conducted by various organizations to gather information about the workforce within specific industries. These surveys typically collect information such as job titles, salaries, and educational backgrounds. In the software engineering industry, popular surveys include the Stack Overflow Developer Survey and the IEEE Software Engineering Salary & Benefits Study.

Government Databases for Estimating the Number of Software Engineers

Government databases, such as those provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, offer extensive information on employment and labor statistics in various industries. The Occupational Outlook Handbook is one such database that provides projected job growth, salary ranges, and educational requirements for software engineering careers.

Trends in the Software Engineering Industry

Understanding current and projected trends in the software engineering industry is essential for professionals looking to start or advance their career. One such trend is job growth, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 22% increase in employment for software developers between 2019-2029.

Salary Ranges for Software Engineering Positions

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a software engineer in the US is $107,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on location, industry, and years of experience. For example, software engineers in San Francisco can earn upwards of $140,000 per year on average.

Educational Requirements for Software Engineering Careers

Most software engineering positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field. However, some employers may accept candidates with alternative education or work experience. It's important for individuals interested in pursuing a career in software engineering to research educational requirements and consider pursuing additional training or certifications.

The Future of the Software Engineering Industry

The software engineering industry is expected to continue its growth in the coming years, with new technologies and applications driving demand for professionals in the field. Emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and machine learning are also expected to create new job opportunities for software engineers.

Table Comparison of Job Growth and Salaries for Software Engineers

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) Average Salary
Software Engineers/Developers 22% $107,000
Artificial Intelligence Specialists 11% $111,592
Data Scientists 16% $113,309

Overall, the software engineering industry offers a promising career path for individuals interested in technology and innovation. With job growth expected to continue and salaries remaining competitive, pursuing a career in software engineering can provide numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.


Thank you for taking the time to read our article about discovering the number of software engineers in the US. We hope you found the information we presented informative and thought-provoking. The United States is home to some of the most innovative and groundbreaking technology companies in the world, and understanding the number of skilled professionals that drive this field is critical to assessing our competitive edge in the global market.

We believe the data we sourced on software engineering employment trends in the US gives readers a fascinating insight into the current state of the industry. It's exciting to see that the number of software engineers is growing, and the focus is shifting towards specialized sectors like artificial intelligence and machine learning, which points towards the direction of technological advancements. We are sure it is going to promote more investments in these fields and enhance product offerings or services.

Once again, thank you for visiting our website and engaging with our content. Please revisit often to keep abreast with updated articles and the latest news on technology advancements, employment trends, and more. If you have any feedback, comments, or questions, please let us know via our contact page. We are always happy to hear from our readers.


As a language model AI, I cannot provide actual data or statistics, but here are some of the common questions that people ask about discovering the number of software engineers in the US:

  1. How many software engineers are there in the United States?
  2. Unfortunately, there is no exact number that can be provided as it constantly changes. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were an estimated 1.6 million computer and information technology jobs in the US in 2019.

  3. What percentage of the US population are software engineers?
  4. Software engineers make up a very small percentage of the US population, likely less than 1%.

  5. What is the demand for software engineers in the US?
  6. The demand for software engineers in the US is high and continues to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

  7. What are the top states for software engineering jobs in the US?
  8. Some of the top states for software engineering jobs in the US include California, Texas, New York, Virginia, and Massachusetts.

  9. What is the average salary for software engineers in the US?
  10. The average salary for software engineers in the US varies depending on experience, location, and industry. According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for software engineers in the US is $92,046 per year.