5 Software Development Jobs to Set Your Future Ablaze

Ever wondered what embarking or progressing in a career in the latest software development jobs is all about? Of course you have; that’s why you’re here - unless you’ve accidentally clicked on this link by accident - if that’s the case, since you’re here, you may as well stick around. In this guide, we'll delve into the top jobs in software development, exploring what each role is all about, the responsibilities and skills required, career progression, and average salary expectations. 

From software and web developer roles to front-end, backend, and full-stack developer positions, here are 5 software development jobs to set your future ablaze.

In this guide, we’ll explore the following software development jobs:

1. Software developer
2. Web developer
3. Front end developer
4. Backend developer
5. Full stack developer

1. Software developer

Kicking off our list of software development jobs is the role of a software developer. A software developer is a highly skilled individual who spends their days designing and coding innovative software solutions for the specific needs of global brands and consumers. 

People who embark on software developer jobs collaborate closely with clients across various industries, from tech to healthcare. Software developers focus much of their efforts on creating functional software programs using programming languages like Java or C++. Individuals who dedicate themselves to this role are analytical-minded with excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills to ensure they develop top-tier software systems for those who require it.

Responsibilities of a software developer 

Let's have a gander at the primary responsibilities of a software developer:

• Create top-of-the-range code based on client and employer briefs
• Develop and implement software programs and systems
• Troubleshoot software systems
• Collab with other developers to create various software algorithms 
• Review user feedback and improve and upgrade programs and systems

Software developer skills

If you’re looking to disrupt the industry by becoming a software developer, here are the key skills you should get under your belt:

• Understanding of coding languages like Java, C++, and JavaScript
• Knowledge of coding frameworks and systems like AngularJS 
• Keen to stay updated with the latest tech innovations
• Previous experience in software development, engineering, or transferable role
• Degree in IT engineering, computer science or a related field

As you progress into the software developer role, your main goal will be to build efficient programs and systems that meet, even exceed, user needs. With a bit of experience, you could transition into a senior software developer role or project management, where you'll continue to contribute to the advancement of tech and innovation in the software development space.

Check out the average salary of a software developer below. Just to let you know, all the salaries we’ve gathered for each job listed in this guide have come from Glassdoor. 

Average software developer salary: £43k

2. Web developer

Next on our list of jobs in software development is the role of a web developer. A web developer is responsible for planning and constructing websites, ensuring they meet user expectations from an aesthetics, functionality and user experience standpoint. Much of their role involves coding, designing, and overseeing the overall layout of websites, from the initial concept to the final build and implementation. 

Web developers are essential for creating user-friendly and visually appealing online experiences for people and businesses worldwide. They will use coding languages like CSS and HTML to ensure a website is designed to suit various mobile and desktop devices. A web developer will also maintain existing sites, using their talents and knowledge of software development to upgrade websites to keep them relevant and fresh all year round. 

Responsibilities of a web developer

Check out the typical day-to-day duties you could be involved in as a web developer:

• Ensure websites meet the client's brief and are user-friendly
• Design the layouts of websites with standard HTML and CSS 
• Develop efficient code adhering to software development best practices
• Collab with web designers to ensure the site is visually aligned with the brief
• Maintain and scale websites while staying updated on emerging tech

Web developer skills

Have a look at the skills you should master as you apply for the latest web developer jobs:

• A deep knowledge of CSS and HTML
• Knowledge of programming languages like JavaScript, PHP, and .Net 
• Fundamental understanding of web applications, web design and IT security
• Ability to work on multiple web projects at once
• Degree in web development, web design, computer science or a related field

Web developers typically kickstart their careers at the junior or entry-level and progress to mid-level or senior developer roles after gaining several years of experience. You may find yourself progressing into management roles like a lead web developer, technical lead, or head of development, which will involve less hands-on coding and more team management. 

Whatever route you take, becoming a web developer is an unorthodox role that allows you to create innovative websites for global brands.

Average web developer salary: £35k

3. Front-end developer

A front-end developer specialises in building the user-facing part of websites that individuals interact with when they click on the site. Aspiring front end developers must have a combination of technical expertise and outside-of-the-box creativity skills to turn company and customer needs into a functional, visually appealing and interactive application reality. 

Front end web developers carefully craft the interface that users see and engage with, using technologies such as CSS, HTML and JavaScript to ensure a seamless user experience for anyone and everyone who interacts with the site. They also help ensure the interface of the site functions effectively across multiple devices and commonly used browsers like Chrome. 

Responsibilities of a front-end developer

Check out the primary duties a front-end developer carries out:

• Maintain and enhance website functionality
• Utilise HTML and CSS to create user-friendly web pages
• Optimise web applications for maximum site speed
• Design mobile-based features for responsive web development
• Liaise with back-end developers and web designers to enhance usability

Front-end developer skills

Discover the skills you should gain to kickstart a successful front-end developer career: 

• Knowledge of markup languages like CSS, HTML, JavaScript and jQuery
• Understanding of the web development process, from design, build and implementation
• Ability to browser test and troubleshoot bugs
• Experience with software like Adobe Suits and content management systems
• Degree in web development, computer science or a relevant field

Fancy learning more about front end developer skills? Read our guide on the top 5 engineering skills front-end developers need to master.

As you embark on front end software development jobs, you could progress from junior roles to more senior positions such as a lead front-end developer or front-end management roles. You may even galvanise your career by moving into more UX/UI design positions. Either way, a career in front-end development is highly rewarding and exciting, with a broad range of jobs available.

Average front end developer salary: £50k

4. Backend developer

Another of the top software development jobs in the IT engineering space we wanted to share with you is the backend developer role. A backend developer focuses their efforts on anything and everything relating to the server side of a website. What we mean by the ‘backend’ is essentially the parts of a website users don’t see but are essential to the day-to-day running of a site - a bit like a car engine, with the backend developers acting as mechanics. 

Backend developer jobs require talent to have a deep understanding of programming languages and a passion for enhancing existing web applications or developing new ones. Backend developers work closely with other IT engineers to ensure the site operates smoothly and consistently around the clock. They also help improve user experience and contribute to a website's overall functionality and stability for clients in various industries.

Responsibilities of a backend developer

If you’re considering a backend developer career, here’s what you could be responsible for on a daily basis:

• Work with front-end devs and engage in the entire web application lifecycle
• Write code for functional web applications
• Debug websites to ensure they perform seamlessly year-round
• Conduct tests to optimise user faces and website performance.
• Stay updated on emerging tech to keep websites feeling fresh

Skills of a backend developer

Here’s a bunch of skills you should develop if you’re serious about becoming a backend web developer:

• Deep understanding of the web development process
• Knowledge of programming languages like Java, PHP, Python and Ruby
• Hands-on experience with CMS frameworks
• Expertise in front-end languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript
• Degree in computer science, web development or a relevant field

As you gain experience in this software development role, you may find yourself progressing to a senior backend developer, lead developer, tech lead, or head of backend development, where you would manage larger IT teams and contribute to an organisation's strategic vision. Alternatively, you could specialise in specific technologies or transition into DevOps or system architecture roles. 

Average backend developer salary: £51k

5. Full stack developer

Our last, but certainly not least, entry to our list of software development jobs to set your future ablaze is the role of a full stack developer. Full stack developers are versatile tech specialists responsible for developing both front-end and backend processes in software projects. 

They focus their time on designing, developing, and maintaining fully functional web platforms with integrated databases and servers, removing the need for companies to outsource to third-party applications. Full stack developers combine user experience and functionality seamlessly and utilise diverse technologies and programming languages such as HTML, C#, CSS, Java, JavaScript and PHP to create web applications that cater to various devices and client and server-side needs.

Responsibilities of a full stack developer

Here are the typical duties a full stack developer is responsible for:

• Collaborate with front and backend developers to create software solutions 
• Design visually appealing front-end applications 
• Manage backend databases effectively and implement IT security measures
• Develop APIs to allow for seamless communication between the front-end and backend of web applications
• Troubleshoot and upgrade software for optimal performance

Skills of a full stack developer

Check out the top full-stack developer skills you should attain:

• Experience in developing mobile and desktop web applications
• Understanding of front-end languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript
• Knowledge of backend languages like C#, Python and Java
• Familiarity with web servers, databases and UI/UX design principles
• Experience as a front-end, backend, full stack developer or a similar role
• Degree in computer science or a tech-relevant field

Career progression as a full stack developer could see you transition into lead and senior full stack developer positions, where you could oversee major projects for global brands. Further career progression may see you become a Chief Technology Officer (CTO), where you'll contribute to a company's software-related strategy. 

However you choose to progress, continuous learning and staying ahead of emerging technologies are essential for a successful career in full stack development.

Average full stack developer salary: £53k

Take inspiration and see how you can transition into software development jobs by checking out our guide on how to transform your future on the software engineer career path.

Let’s wrap up the top 5 software development jobs

Overall, software development jobs offer diverse career paths, ranging from software and web development to front-end, backend, and full stack roles. If you’re an aspiring developer, you can see yourself progress from entry-level positions to senior or managerial roles, contributing to future innovations and advancements across the evolving tech world. 

So, if you’re considering a career in software development or want to progress from your current role, scroll below to see how we can help. 

Alternatively, read our guide on 10 of the most cutting-edge jobs in engineering to check out the other positions you could progress to in the IT engineering space.

Ready to kickstart your software developer career?

Whether you’re a renegade on the hunt for your first role to get your career off the ground or an industry disruptor looking for the latest opportunities to breathe new life into your career, we can help connect you with the best software development jobs on the market.

Chat with us today and set your future ablaze.