Software Developers vs Computer Support Specialists
Median pay is about $74k higher for Software Developers. The usual entry education is bachelor's for Software Developers and some college for Computer Support Specialists.
marks the higher pay or growth. Education, difficulty and the AI rows depend on what you want, so they are not marked.
| Measure | Software Developers | Computer Support Specialists |
|---|---|---|
| Pay | ||
| Median pay | $135,980, higher | $61,860 |
| Entry pay 25th percentile | $105,210, higher | $49,000 |
| Experienced pay 75th percentile | $171,980, higher | $79,040 |
| Outlook, 2025 to 2035 | ||
| Projected growth | +10% Growing fast, higher | -3.5% Declining |
| Openings a year | 95,300 | 39,700 |
| Getting in | ||
| Typical education | Bachelor's | Some college |
| Difficulty modeled | 2.2 / 5 | 1.6 / 5 |
| AI | ||
| Displacement risk modeled | Very high | High |
| AI exposure modeled, percentile | 99th pct | 80th pct |
Skills
Both lean on the same top skills: critical thinking, reading comprehension, active learning, active listening, writing, speaking.
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Pay and outlook: BLS (OEWS 2025, Employment Projections 2025-2035). Skills: O*NET 30.3. Difficulty, displacement risk and AI exposure are modeled estimates. How these numbers are made.