Software Developers Enjoy Career Rewards

By Dennis McCafferty | Posted 2014-05-01

It's a great time to be a software developer. First of all, U.S. News & World Report ranks the profession as the No. 1 career in both its "Best Technology Jobs" and "100 Best Jobs" overall list. And if you need further validation, look no further than the following survey findings from Chef, an IT automation company that models infrastructure and application delivery as code. Software developers responding to the Chef survey said they are happier with their jobs than other IT professionals, while also making long-term commitments to their current employer. These developers are emerging as respected—if not essential—organizational influencers on business decisions, and they even find time to volunteer and contribute to the greater good of their local communities. What's not to like? "Developers are the growth engine powering enterprises today," says Barry Crist, Chef CEO. "[They are] evolving as powerful, connected influencers who are mobilizing to shape more than code across business and society." An estimated 1,000 U.S. software developers took part in the research.

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Built to Last

70% of developers plan to stay with their current employer for five years or more, and 25% plan to stay for more than 10 years.
Rock-Solid Security

69% describe their profession as recession-proof.
Happy Times

82% said they are more satisfied with their job than their peers who are not software developers.
Cordial Engagement

97% describe their working relationship with IT operations and systems admins as positive, and 57% say it's very positive.
Big Aspirations

94% expect to be a "revolutionary influence" in major segments of the economy within the next five years.
Feeling Empowered

93% frequently feel empowered to suggest changes to business processes, products or services.
Highly Esteemed

95% believe they are one of their firm's most valued employees, and 89% say their leadership views them as "essential."
Well-Compensated

84% said they are paid what they're worth, and 66% expect to get a raise within the next 12 months.
Seven Figures

56% believe they will be a millionaire at some point in their career.
Out and About

The average software developer spends 50 hours or more a year volunteering, and 71% have participated in political or civic activities within the last 12 months.
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