If you’re looking for a challenging computing career that offers excellent opportunities for growth and development (and pays a competitive salary) a software engineer could tick all the boxes.

Graduates and others with training and experience in computing and software are in high demand in the UK jobs market. Nine of the 25 fastest growing job titles in the past five years have been in software and tech, according to LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise 2023 report.

They include roles in data science, cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, cybersecurity and software development.

Here’s a closer look at how you can get into a career as a software engineer – as well as earning potential and tips on how to get ahead.

Software engineer job outlook

Almost three million people (9% of the UK’s total workforce) work in tech, with the sector experiencing a massive 40% growth in the two years to 2020, according to networking platform Tech Nation. And its research shows software developers are most in demand, with these roles making up 6% of all advertised digital tech vacancies.

Software engineers can typically command higher than average salaries, along with other corporate benefits such as annual bonuses and generous pension contributions. Many also have the opportunity to work with challenging and engaging projects.

What is a software engineer?

A software engineer uses code, programming languages and other technologies to develop, build, and maintain solutions. These solutions might include software programmes, web applications, mobile apps, games and robots. A software engineer might also use their skills to test and problem-solve digital products.

All types of organisations, from the biggest blue-chip companies to schools, and small charities, need software engineers to manage software projects and initiatives. Large tech companies, such as Google, Amazon, Facebook and LinkedIn, tend to hire the most software engineers.

Software engineer salaries

The average base salary of a software engineer in September 2023 was £50,423, according to figures from recruitment firm Indeed. Entry level salaries are £44,884 on average.

However, software engineering salaries will vary widely depending on factors such as location and the type of business. The National Careers Service puts the salary range between £24,000 and £70,000, for example.

Below is a list of average salaries in the highest paying cities for software engineers.

City	Average Annual Salary
London	£62,832
Cambridge	£51,094
Manchester	£48,248
Liverpool	£43,927
Nottingham	£43,403
Source: Indeed.com, September 2023

Ways to become a software engineer

Job prospects tend to be strong for software engineers, and the good news is there’s no single route into this career. Here are some of the ways to get started:

Get a degree

The traditional way to become a software engineer is through a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a similar discipline. A master’s degree isn’t required to work as a software engineer, but it can be helpful for those who want to advance their knowledge and expertise, and it could boost earning potential further down the line.

A bachelor’s degree (BA) usually takes three years to complete (typically four years in Scottish universities). Computer science, mathematics, information technology, electronics and cybersecurity are all popular areas of study for students interested in becoming software engineers.

A degree is still the most widely accepted way to break into the field of software engineering.

Consider other qualifications

However, there is also a vast range of shorter courses and qualifications, such as diplomas or BTECs, that could help pave the way into a career as a software engineer. Obtaining a certificate usually involves studying a particular topic in either a classroom or remote self-paced setting. Courses then typically then involve an exam that you must pass to become certified.

Becoming certified in a particular field or area of tech could help you increase your knowledge, enhance your CV, and even begin to become specialised – all of which can help in the job market.

You can find advice and search for a local course on the government’s National Careers Service as well as find out details of any funding you may be eligible for.

Gain work experience

Whatever your route into the sector, one of the best ways to find an initial role as a software engineer is to gain real-life working experience. Finding an internship or apprenticeship within the tech industry could be one way to get started.

You could find a position in a related field, such as test engineer or technical support specialist. These roles can help you gain the experience you need to get started in the software engineer job market.

An online coding camp could also help build up valuable experience. There are a broad range of courses on the market that teach students different programming languages and data analysis skills, for example.

Attend a software engineer bootcamp

Another way to learn software engineering skills is by attending a bootcamp. Many top universities offer bootcamps of this type, which can be full-time or part-time.

Carry out thorough research before signing up though; these courses are intensive, can be costly, and are unlikely to offer the range of learnings you would get from a full computer science degree.

That said, if you complete a software engineering bootcamp, you may qualify for some entry level jobs within the sector of software engineer, web developer, video game developer or web designer.

***

Big thanks to the Forbes Advisor team and Distinctly London for this article! You can find the original version, as well as more information on the Forbes website.