The programs that run everything from mobile apps to heavy machinery depend on seamless functionality. Software programs aren’t just collections of code; they are the connective tissue for a technological ecosystem used by billions of people. This complexity creates a consistent demand for software engineers who can solve evolving challenges.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers defines software engineering as “the application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software.” Software engineers consider how programs interact with users and hardware now and in the future. An engineering mindset scrutinizes every aspect of software until the end product meets expectations.
The future of software engineering will require practitioners who are as skilled with team management as they are with coding and testing. Prospective engineers must consider where the profession started to properly navigate its present and chart its future.
Software Engineering Origins and Solutions
Initial forays into computing technology used mechanical processes rather than software to complete mathematical functions. Charles Babbage’s Difference Engine used gears and wheels to add and subtract numbers in the 1820s. James Thomson incorporated wheels and discs in his Differential Analyzer to complete differential equations in the 1870s.
Computers moved from mechanics to software following World War II. One of the earliest computers, the Small-Scale Experimental Machine built in 1948 by Tom Kilburn and Freddy Williams, used machine code for mathematical functions. Engineers moved from basic code to the first higher-level programming language called Fortran in 1957. A variation of this language is still in use today.
The field of software engineering focused on government, military, and corporate needs for the following three decades. Personal computing advancements starting in the 1970s accelerated software development as hardware moved beyond routine functions. The Apple II in 1977 and the IBM Personal Computer in 1981 brought computers to office desks in large numbers.
Modern software leverages the power of rapidly improving hardware to solve problems foreign to Babbage and Thomson. Without software engineers, the following innovations would not have reached the market:
- The Palm Pilot 1000 in 1996
- The Sony PlayStation 2 in 2000
- The Apple iPod in 2001
- The Fitbit model in 2009
- The Apple iPad in 2010
- The Oculus Rift VR headset in 2016
The future of software engineering will expand exponentially on the work done by generations of engineers. Innovation isn’t restricted to office equipment and consumer electronics. Software engineers have solved real-world challenges that are models for future initiatives.
Learn more about Baylor's Online Master of Computer Science - Software Engineering Track
Solving Problems through Software Engineering
The potential of modern software is only limited by its accompanying hardware. Engineers should think big about the large-scale challenges that can be solved through innovative software. MIT Technology Review identified the following problems that may be solved by technology in the future:
- Natural disaster prediction and preparedness
- Producing and allocating life-saving vaccines around the world
- Understanding the human brain to mitigate aging and mental disorders
Software engineering is essential to solving transportation issues facing cities across the world. Smart Columbus is an example of how cutting-edge software can make mobility a lot easier for city residents. The city’s smart technology initiative shows the future of software engineering through components like:
- A connected vehicle environment allowing cars to communicate about road conditions
- Autonomous shuttles that navigate traffic jams without human guidance
- An operating system for the city that analyzes Internet of Things data in real-time
Hospitals and clinics also benefit from software engineers who can navigate the healthcare industry’s interconnectedness. Diagnostic and surgical tools are increasingly reliant on software to help improve patient outcomes. Innovations like heart-monitoring apps and VR training tools are integrated into larger systems by software engineers.
The Day-to-Day Work of a Software Engineer
Software engineers typically work in teams as they work on products and updates. Experienced engineers or engineers with specialized knowledge are assigned as project leads. The average day for a software engineer varies significantly based on their current projects.
Interviews with software engineers reveal a common checklist of tasks no matter the project. These tasks include:
- Virtual or in-person meetings that organize daily tasks
- Review of scrum boards for tasks underway and in need of completion
- Communication with team members about progress and project notes
- Coding and developing tests for code before advancing to the next task
A sample job description for a software engineer outlines larger project goals met through diligent daily work. These goals include:
- Defining problems to be solved via software solutions
- Producing visual and written documentation for every step of the development process
- Working with vendors and consultants to acquire resources necessary for project completion
Advancements in productivity technology have increased the number of engineers who work remotely. This geographical flexibility means teams can be spread across the globe. Software teams often establish Results-Only Work Environments (ROWE) that allow flexible schedules in exchange for better performance.
Tips for Software Engineering Success
Experienced engineers know that their work can be occasionally stressful due to time constraints and client needs. A review of software engineer experiences produces helpful tips for managing this stress. Newcomers to the software development lifecycle should consider:
- Setting timers to look away from computer screens to support eye health
- Taking walks and establishing regular meal times to step away from projects
- Establishing a healthy balance between work and personal time, especially when working remotely.
Another common thread in software engineer experiences is the need to continue learning new things every day. After all, early software creators found their calling through a natural curiosity and an interest in building new products. A new engineer should plan to set aside time each day to read about industry developments, work on personal projects, or chat with colleagues about their perspectives.
Madison Schott, a software engineer for Capital One, wrote about why “learning how to learn” is critical for other engineers. In addition to personal fulfillment, Schott also writes that:
“...constantly growing and evolving as an engineer will help prevent you from staying stuck in the past and being left behind as roles and technologies change.”
Learn more about Baylor's Online Master of Computer Science - Software Engineering Track
Software Engineer Job Outlook in the 21st Century
The future of software engineering looks bright for newcomers and experienced hands alike. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated a 25 percent growth in software developer jobs from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Software engineers have little difficulty finding work after graduation or temporary periods of unemployment. SmartAsset states the unemployment rate for software developers was around 1.3 percent in 2022, according to the BLS. Continual growth and low unemployment are ingredients for a good future in software engineering.
Skilled engineers fill important gaps in the software industry. The 2021 Technology Salary Guide from Robert Half found 62 percent of IT managers planned to expand their teams, particularly with skilled engineers. This survey also concluded that 87 percent of managers continued to face challenges finding candidates with the right mix of skills for their projects.
Staying Prepared for the Future of Software Engineering
Hired reviewed 400,000 job interview requests and surveyed 1,600 engineers to evaluate the field’s future. The aforementioned demand was driven by new ventures in retail and telecommunications. Software engineers have proven essential to advancements in mobile phone technology and e-commerce.
As a profession, software engineering requires intellectual agility to meet present demands while anticipating future trends. A few years ago, Hired found a 517 percent growth in blockchain engineering positions from the previous year. The report recorded a 9 percent growth in the same specialty, far eclipsed by the following growth areas:
- AR/VR Engineer (1,400 percent growth)
- Gaming Engineer (146 percent growth)
- Computer Vision Engineer (146 percent growth)
Blockchain and AR/VR technology are only tapping into their potentials across multiple industries. Software engineers need to stay current on coding, programming languages, and hardware trends that might inform future innovations. An engineer who stays flexible not only taps into general demand in their field but unlocks high-salary niches.
The Impact of Demand on Software Engineering Salaries
A rosy outlook and high demand mean great salaries for software engineers. The BLS reports an average annual salary of approximately $125,440 for mid-level software engineers in 2024. This is significantly higher than the median salary across all occupations, which is around $47,000. Senior software engineers can expect to earn an average of $145,110 per year, with specific roles such as software architects reaching salaries between $156,000 and $187,500.
Indeed continues to differentiate between software engineers and developers, with engineers earning a slightly higher average salary. Entry-level positions are seeing more modest growth, with salaries around $90,000 to $105,000 depending on the location and company, while more specialized roles or those in high-demand areas can command significantly higher wages.
You don’t need to work in a major city to earn an above-average software engineering salary. Engineers in Battle Creek, Michigan - a city with a population just above 50,000 - earn $121,160 on average.
Learn more about Baylor's Online Master of Computer Science - Software Engineering Track
High Job Satisfaction Among Software Engineers
Software engineers enjoy high levels of job satisfaction due to various factors, including the creative challenges their work offers and the positive impact they can make on the world.
According to the 2023 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, work conditions for software engineers vary significantly across different regions and employment types. The survey reveals that many developers value flexible work arrangements, with a strong preference for remote or hybrid work setups.
Overall, the intersection of fulfillment, financial gain, and innovation makes software engineering a rewarding career path for those who are passionate about making a difference.
Preparing for the Future of Software Engineering at Baylor University
A graduate degree in computer science helps you join these satisfied engineers as they change the world. Baylor University’s Online Masters in Computer Science includes a software engineering track designed for an evolving field. This 100 percent online degree features courses on subjects like:
- Advanced Object-Oriented Development
- Distributed Systems Development
- Software Verification and Validation
Baylor University has been recognized as one of the top educational institutions in the nation. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Baylor University as a leader in several categories including:
- #26 for the Most Innovative School
- #57 in the Best Colleges for Veterans
- #91 Best National Universities
- #109 in Best Value Schools
Connect with Baylor University today to learn how an Online Masters in Computer Science - Software Engineering degree can help you to shape the future of software engineering.
