Software Developer | |
---|---|
Median Salary | $93,000 (Do Not Chase the Dollar - Chase Your Passion) |
Educational Requirements | Bachelors |
Exploring the Dream | Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks. |
Living the Dream | Many software developers work for computer systems design and related services firms or software publishers. |
Reaching the Dream | Software developers usually have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and strong computer programming skills. |
Web Developer | |
---|---|
Median Salary | $62,000 (Do Not Chase the Dollar - Chase Your Passion) |
Educational Requirements | Associates |
Exploring the Dream | Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. They also may create content for the site. |
Living the Dream | About a quarter of web developers were self-employed in 2012. Non-self-employed developers work primarily in the computer systems design and related services industry. |
Reaching the Dream | The typical education needed to become a web developer is an associate’s degree in web design or related field. Web developers need knowledge of both programming and graphic design. |
Database Administrator | |
---|---|
Median Salary | $77,000 (Do Not Chase the Dollar - Chase Your Passion) |
Educational Requirements | bachelors |
Exploring the Dream | Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and are secure from unauthorized access. |
Living the Dream | Almost all database administrators work full time. About a quarter worked more than 40 hours per week in 2012. |
Reaching the Dream | Database administrators usually have a bachelor’s degree in an information- or computer- related subject. Before becoming an administrator, these workers typically get work experience in a related field. |
Mechanical Engineer | |
---|---|
Median Salary | $80,000 (Do Not Chase the Dollar - Chase Your Passion) |
Educational Requirements | bachelors |
Exploring the Dream | Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal devices, including tools, engines, and machines. |
Living the Dream | Mechanical engineers generally work in professional office settings. They may occasionally visit worksites where a problem or piece of equipment needs their personal attention. Mechanical engineers work mostly in engineering services, research and develop |
Reaching the Dream | Mechanical engineers need a bachelor’s degree. A graduate degree is typically needed for promotion into managerial positions. Mechanical engineers who sell services publicly must be licensed in all states and the District of Columbia. |
Computer Programmer | |
---|---|
Median Salary | $74,000 (Do Not Chase the Dollar - Chase Your Passion) |
Educational Requirements | bachelors |
Exploring the Dream | Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks. |
Living the Dream | Many software developers work for computer systems design and related services firms or software publishers. |
Reaching the Dream | Software developers usually have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and strong computer programming skills. |