Software developers require a strong understanding of the underlying concepts and principles of software development, and some experience with development environments and languages. To know more visit TransOceanicEducation.com

1. ƔƔ How to become a software developer
Software developers write, test, develop and maintain computer
software.
Qualifications needed
Software developers require a strong understanding of the
underlying concepts and principles of software development,
and some experience with development environments and lan-
guages. This knowledge can be gained through informal practical
experience, but programmers usually have one or both of the
following:
• a tertiary qualification in computing, information systems,
or related field, or
• in some instances, specialist certification in security, testing
or other standards.
Cost of study
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
$20,000 over 3 years
Average costs in 2015 for a domestic student. Costs vary between
institutions. Further costs include materials, textbooks, and
accommodation.
Rents vary from place to place. Estimated market rents by re-
gion, city and suburb are available on the MBIE Tenancy Services
website.
The StudyLink website provides general budget advice for
students, and the Sorted website provides help with detailed
budget planning.
→→ Tenancy Services: www.tenancy.govt.nz
→→ StudyLink: www.studylink.govt.nz
→→ Sorted: www.sorted.org.nz/calculators/money-planner
Where to study
Software developers gain many skills on the job and attend
a wide range of courses to update their knowledge and tech-
niques. Most tertiary institutions in New Zealand provide training
in computer science, information systems, ICT and other related
fields.
Registration
The Institute of IT Professionals (IITP) is the ICT sector’s profes-
sional body. It works to improve education and professional
standards in the ICT industry in New Zealand and around the
world. Although there are many ICT-related organisations and
groups in New Zealand, IITP is the only professional body. It also
offers accreditation for IT professionals through its International
Technology Certified Professional (ITCP) programme.
It is expected that software developers who hold professional
accreditation will have a significant advantage in the job market;
they will command a higher level of pay than those without
professional accreditation.
Further information on certification can be found in the ITCP
website.
→→ ITCP: www.itcp.org.nz
Completed qualifications
The number of students completing computer science or infor-
mation systems degrees grew from 715 in 2007 to 1,250 in 2014
(up 69%).
Source: Ministry of Education
Numberofstudents
completingqualification
0
500
1,000
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Bachelor's Degree- Computer Science
Bachelor's Degree- Information Science
SOFTWARE
DEVELOPERS JOB PROSPECTS
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FEES
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INCOME
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JOB PROSPECTS New software developer graduates are in high demand. There is
a shortage of software developers in New Zealand, and continuing
growth in job vacancies.
The number of developers has grown steadily over recent years,
but demand is expected to continue increasing in the fast-developing
ICT industry.
At a glance
MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY

2. ƔƔ Income and employment prospects
Income
In 2015, the average income for software and applications
programmers was $84,700. Average income for programmers
varies widely – depending on their responsibilities, the type of
programming work they do, and geographic location.
Estimated average income
$84,700
Average income from Statistics New Zealand Income Survey
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in the field of computer sci-
ence earned $41,800 one year after their study ended. After five
years, income had increased to $62,450.
Median earnings after qualification completion
One year Two years Three years
$41,800 $46,800 $62,450
Source: Ministry of Education
Employment and skill shortages
Software developers’ employment
Current Projected growth
2013 2014 2014–19 2019–24
20,300
22,550
up 11.1%
4.6% per year 4.2% per year
There has been steady growth in the number of software devel-
opers employed in recent years. There is also strong projected
employment growth of around 4.6% per year from 2014-19 and
4.2% per year to 2024.
Source: MBIE Estimates
A number of specific occupations for software developers ap-
pear on Immigration New Zealand’s long-term skill shortage list,
which means the government is actively encouraging skilled peo-
ple in these jobs from overseas to work in New Zealand. These
in-demand software occupations include analyst programmer,
developer programmer, software engineer, and software tester.
A full list is available on the Immigration New Zealand website.
→→ Immigration NZ, skill shortage list:
skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz
Where to find job vacancies
The number of online job vacancies for software developers
decreased by 15.1% from September 2014 to September 2015.
This compares with an overall increase of 1.9% for all skilled
vacancies over the same period.
Vacancies for software developers are advertised through public
media such as the Trade Me Jobs and Seek websites.
→→ Trade Me Jobs: www.trademe.co.nz/jobs
→→ Seek: www.seek.co.nz
Career path
Once a software developer has learnt the required fundamental
skills, they may progress to become senior programmers, soft-
ware architects, or chief information officers.
ƔƔ Other information
Links
More information on software developers is available on the
Careers New Zealand website.
→→ Careers New Zealand: www.careers.govt.nz
Employment
Estimate Forecast
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
2009 2014 2019 2024
MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY
SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS