How to become a Software Engineer
Also called: Analyst Programmer, Developer Programmer, Software Developer
Designs, develops, modifies, documents, tests and maintains software applications and systems using programming languages and development tools.
Main tasks
- Designs and implements software architectures to solve complex technical issues in alignment with specified requirements
- Writes, tests and debugs code to ensure functionality, efficiency and adherence to quality accredited standards
- Performs code reviews and optimises algorithms to ensure software quality, maintainability and adherence to best practices
- Implements and manages software development processes and tools
- Identifies, assesses and mitigates potential risks throughout software development
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams to integrate software solutions within broader system infrastructures
- Documents software designs, workflows and user manuals to guide stakeholders and end-users
Ways in
- University: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
- University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Information Technology (ICT60220); Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering (UEE50122)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $128,752 a year
- About 13,500 people work in this job group now, and about 17,100 are projected by 2035. (+26.9%)
- AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Software Engineer?
Ways in include: Computing & IT degrees; Engineering degrees; Advanced Diploma of Information Technology; Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering.
How much does a Software Engineer earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $128,752 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Software Engineer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 27% by 2035, from about 13,500 to about 17,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Software Engineer?
Usually. 68% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Software Engineer?
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04