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Statewide demand for software developers, applications is strong, with the annual growth rate projected to be 3.3% (2020-2030).

Local industry partners have expressed strong demand for Whatcom and Skagit County. Along the I-5 corridor from Whatcom to King County, demand is very strong. Given software developer positions lend themselves well to distance working, while at the same time employers and employees are becoming increasingly accustomed to such arrangements, regional and statewide demand is relevant.

Common job titles for graduates include:

• Junior software developer
• Application developer
• Junior software engineer

Starting wages

Starting wages in Whatcom County for software developers are strong, ranging from $29.42 (10% percentile) to $37.95 (25th percentile) per hour, with potential for an approximate $10 per hour or more premium the closer the employee and/or the position is to the Seattle area.

Career advancement

With an associate degree, graduates of Whatcom's software development program may be more likely to start at wages closer to the 10th percentile; however, the built-in work-based learning component may put them on a fast track to higher wages. Though not a guarantee, students who continue their education to earn a bachelor's degree are likely to be better prepared to advance to supervisory positions and/or significant increases in wages (per chart above).

Sources

Washington State Employment Security Department, October 2022
Career One Stop, 2022