Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

The Work

Applications programmers write programs that instruct a computer to perform tasks such as controlling company stock or updating staff records. They may write new programs or adapt existing ones. They may work on one program or a number ('suite') of programs.  
 
Programmers who work for a large firm or organisation may be responsible for maintaining and updating one or more programs. This requires them to solve any problems that individual users have, and adapt the program to fit in with any changes in the way they work.  

 
When they write a new application program, programmers follow a specification, or 'spec', provided by a systems analyst. The spec describes what the program should do. It may be very precise, in which case the programmer has to follow it exactly, or it may be quite 'loose', which allows the programmer to be more creative. Each spec shows a series of steps, which the programmer translates into computer code. Once programmers have developed a new program, they have to check it very carefully for faults ('bugs') and carefully test it using mock data before it is ready for the final user.  
 
It is becoming more common for applications programmers to be responsible for duties that systems analysts have carried out in the past. Where this is the case, employers may use the title 'analyst programmer' for this career.  

Applications programmers often work in teams, with each person contributing to the program or suite of programs.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Write, analyse, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
• Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
• Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
• Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
• Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
• Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
• Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language.
• Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
• Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.
• Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.

Further Information

• Computer Programmer - from: InsideCareerInfo [US]
• Computer Programmer - from: GradIreland
• Computer Programmer - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Most employers regard programming as graduate entry, and expect a computer science or related (e.g., engineering, maths) degree. Large organisations that have in-house training facilities may recruit internal applicants or from other disciplines with an interest in, and an aptitude for programming. Generally some computer science, programming or related educational qualifications are required.  
Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship Software development, ICT Systems and Principles for IT Professionals NFQ level 5 search FET courses

FET centre Post leaving cert Computer Games Programming, Computer Programming, Programming and Software Development, Games Design & Development, Software development for apps/ games / network Architecture NFQ level 5-6 search PLC courses

Apprenticeship Route

Software Development Associate Professional is an apprenticeship style “learning by doing” format of ICT skills development which has been endorsed by the industry and government. This is a two-year programme during which candidates who are competent tech enthusiasts attain a Level 6 ICT and Professional Development Award. More.

Higher education entry routes CAO Software Developers typically have a degree in Software Development or Computer Programming. Other relevant disciplines include Computer Science, ICT, Computing and Software Engineering NFQ level 6-8 search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Springboard courses Conversion Software development courses are also available via at NFQ level 6-9 search Springboard courses

Postgraduate Study Options Software Design & Development, Software Design with Artificial Intelligence, Software Design with Virtual & Augmented Reality NFQ level 9 

Skillnets Software Network 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €38k - €120k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role. Salaires also vary by programming languages fluency and experience. 

Data Source(s):
Sigmar / Brightwater / CPL / Morgan McKinley/ Indeed

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment has grown strongly for this occupation each year over the five-year period, particularly between 2020 and 2021, where it grew by over 9,000 persons. Those employed are primarily male (83%), working full-time (98%), and 85% were aged 25-54 years (exceeding the national average of 69%). Four-fifths were employed in the ICT sector, with the remainder spread across many sectors. Recent job hires in 2022 exceeded any employment growth indicating that job churn is a factor for this occupation. Almost two-fifths (39%) were non-Irish citizens (compared to a national average of 19%). At over 4,300, the number of employment permits issued in 2022 was almost equivalent to the increase in employment over the same time period. Although the number of new employment permits issued in the first five months of 2023 have slowed, they remained above 2021 levels. Most employment permits were issued for the ICT sector, for software engineering/development roles, although permits were also issued across many sectors of the economy.

There was a high volume of difficult-to-fill mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey (various developer roles) and vacancies for software engineers were the most frequently cited occupation in the Skills for Growth data as being difficult to fill, with demand occurring across a range of sectors including manufacturing (e.g. med tech), fintech, ICT, and professional services; the most commonly sought technical skills included scrum/agile and SQL, while transversal skills such as data analysis, data management, communication and problem solving were also in demand. After other engineering professionals, this occupation had the highest number of job postings advertised online in 2022, although the number declined by 6% compared to 2021. 

While shortages are likely to have eased somewhat compared to earlier years, demand for software developers remains high and shortages are likely to persist economy-wide, including in the industry, finance, education, health, and wholesale/retail sectors. 

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here

• ICS - The Society for Chartered IT Professionals in Ireland

  • 87-89 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4
  • (01) 237 7788
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Software Association

  • Confederation House, 84/86 Lower Baggot St. Dublin 2
  • (01) 605 1500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here