Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Analyse information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
• Analyse user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
• Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
• Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
• Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
• Coordinate installation of software system.
• Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.
• Determine system performance standards.
• Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
• Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.

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.

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.

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.

App developers have many exciting career and job opportunities open to them, but there are many ways to become an App Developer and get into this ever expanding area.

Common steps include a Degree in Computer Science or Software engineering - these are a very strong foundation. There are also specialised courses you can take that are specifically geared toward mobile app development [see Smart Futures].

Having certification in different aspects of development will make your case stronger to employers who are hiring, but the best way to prove you can build something is to actually do it! Building an app requires a well-rounded IT skillset, including UI design, familiarity with a range of programming languages, backend computing knowledge and, some savvy business knowledge, especially if you want to go it alone as an App Developer.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Software developer, ICT skills in centres around Ireland at NFQ Level 5 Search FET Traineeship Courses

FET PLC Courses: Software development, Coding, and Game design at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: ICT software developer, Cybersecurity NFQ level 6 [live], Software solutions architect NFQ level 9 [in development] Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Computer science, Software development, Software design courses course at  NFQ Levels 7-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options software-engineering, Design, Development courses at NFQ level 9 

Springboard Courses: Software development & design Search Springboard courses   

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €90k

Salaries vary depending on employer, location, experience, and duties.

Data Source(s):
Brightwater / Morgan McKinley / Sigmar/ Azon

Last Updated: March, 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