10 of the Most Popular Types of Software Engineering Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Software Engineering jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Software Engineering Jobs

• Entry Level Software Developer

  Salary range: $63,500 - $106,000

  An entry-level software developer has simpler duties compared to more senior members of the field. At the entry level, your responsibilities are to create simple, single-thread code to achieve a specific task. These bits of code can be combined to create a larger program. You may also have to create or write a design algorithm by which you create software. However, most of the time, as an entry-level developer, you are in charge of debugging. You have to comb through the code of a piece of software to remove errors.

• New Grad Software Developer

  Salary range: $90,000 - $130,000

  New Grad Software Developer is a typical job search query Most salaries for New Grad Software Developer jobs pay between $90,000 (25th percentile) and $130,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for New Grad Software Developer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Computer Engineer

  Salary range: $111,500 - $131,500

  A computer engineer designs, researches, tests, and develops computer equipment and software such as circuit boards, chips, routers, and application programs. Computer engineers analyze complex equipment and systems to understand the best way to improve it. They create new types of information technology devices and use logic and reasoning to hone in on goals, test assumptions, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems. Engineers often work in teams and have to be able to communicate with other types of engineers, including non-technical team members. Computer engineers make sure that components fit together properly and function according to the latest software developments.

• Work From Home Software Engineer

  Salary range: $120,000 - $173,000

  Work from home software engineers plan, write, test, and edit software programs and applications. Instead of working in the office, work from home software engineers complete their job duties from home or another remote location with internet connectivity. As a home-based engineer, you may specialize in a particular area, such as applications, databases, operating systems, or computer networks. Your responsibilities include collaborating with other software engineers to determine the scope and function of the program so that it meets the client's expectations. Then you develop the application using coding language and design techniques, making sure you meet the project’s timeline and budget.

• Entry Level Engineer

  Salary range: $51,500 - $78,500

  An entry-level engineer designs, builds, and maintains the functional aspects of a product, structure, or system for their specific engineering industry. All engineers start out in an entry-level position with fewer responsibilities until they gain work experience. Many start gaining experience through an internship or apprenticeship before moving into an entry-level position. An entry-level engineer job description relates to all of the education requirements, skills, detailed tasks, responsibilities that a company or organization requires for their specific engineering job. For example, civil engineers design, construct, and maintain large infrastructure projects, such as highways, bridges, and airports. Electrical engineers design, monitor, and test electrical systems.

• Part Time Software Developer

  Salary range: $90,000 - $130,000

  Part-time software developers can be involved in a wide variety of projects and technologies. Depending on the programming languages and frameworks with which you are familiar, you might code and debug anything from mobile applications to network management and monitoring programs. As the complexity and sophistication of computer systems increases, so does the variety of applications software developers can create. As a part-time software developer, your duties and responsibilities require you to design, troubleshoot, test, and deploy applications and systems. Some positions offer flexible schedules and the option to work from home, while others require you to work at the company’s facilities.

• Remote Entry Level Software Developer

  Salary range: $63,500 - $106,000

  As a remote entry-level software developer, your job is to code programs, troubleshoot problems with an application or framework, and otherwise work from home to support a company's programming needs. In this home-based role, you may use virtual office software to coordinate with other employees, complete tasks assigned to you by senior developers, debug programs that you are still in the process of making, and help analyze the company's future technology needs. A remote entry-level software developer position is typically still a part-time or full-time job for a specific employer, but it may be a contract role where you complete a programming job and move on to another as needed.

• Graphics Programmer

  Salary range: $125,000 - $145,000

  A graphics programmer creates software and applications for developing images and animation on a computer. Your duties can focus on programs for computer-aided design and rendering, animation, image manipulation, photo editing, or video game design. You use linear math and algorithms as well as computer programming languages. Your responsibilities involve writing code in languages like C++, Java, and High-Level Shading Language (HLSL). After coding, you test your programs to ensure that each article and image is accurate. If you work on video games, you coordinate with other developers and programmers on a video game design platform like Unreal Engine.

• Associate Software Engineer

  Salary range: $63,500 - $93,000

  An associate software engineer works with a team of engineering professionals and developers to improve existing software or design new applications. As an associate software engineer, your job duties include coding software, coordinating with hardware engineers to ensure that different types of technology can run the software, and helping the QA team to test software before release. Typical qualifications for the career include a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field and relevant technical experience with software applications. You also need excellent communication, coding, and analytical problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work as part of a team.

• Embedded Software Engineer

  Salary range: $131,500 - $173,000

  Embedded software is installed on devices that operate like personal computers. Examples of embedded software can be found in geographic positioning systems, or GPS devices, smart watches, and calculators. Embedded software engineers perform a range of embedded software engineering functions, including running system software updates and designing software for embedded systems. Embedded software engineers also advise on product development, approve new product designs, and optimize the product lifecycle.