Software developer career changers: Requirements, salary and opportunities

Would you like to take the leap into software development, but you lack the classic computer science background? No problem! The tech sector is opening its doors to career changers and offers fantastic career opportunities. Your opportunities are particularly excellent in software development, even without traditional studies.

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Here you can find out which requirements you should meet, what salary you can expect and which paths are open to you.

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Requirements for career changers: What you should bring

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The path to becoming a software developer is more open than ever for career changers. But what skills and characteristics should you have to gain a foothold in this field? Here are the key requirements:

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Technical understanding and logical thinking:

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The basis of every successful career in software development is a solid technical understanding paired with the ability to think logically and in a structured way. At its core, programming is nothing more than solving complex problems through a series of logical steps. If you enjoy solving puzzles or analyzing systems, you already have an important basis.

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Programming skills:

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Becoming a software developer without mastering at least one programming language is impossible. That should be clear. Python, Java or JavaScript are particularly suitable for beginners. These languages are not only widely spoken but also relatively easy to learn. There are numerous free online resources, such as Codecademy, FreeCodeCamp, or edX, that offer excellent introductory courses. For questions and issues, you can search on StackOverflow or Reddit. Invest time in practical exercises and small projects to strengthen your skills. It is also a good idea to specialize in an industry, as the tasks of a computer scientist can be very different here.

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Project experience:

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Theory is important, but practical experience is invaluable. Work on your own projects or participate in open source projects on platforms like GitHub. This shows potential employers not only your skills, but also your commitment and willingness to learn. A well-maintained GitHub profile can serve as a digital portfolio and give you an advantage in the application process.

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Continuing education and certificates:

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The IT industry is constantly evolving, so lifelong learning is essential. Additional courses and recognized certificates can add value to your resume and underline your expertise in specific areas. Platforms such as Coursera, Udacity, or edX offer specialized courses and even complete nano-degree programs. Pay particular attention to certificates that are recognized in industry, such as those from Oracle, Microsoft or AWS.

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Soft Skills:

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Programming is one thing, but it's another thing to explain exactly what you've just conjured up. In addition to technical skills, soft skills are also of great importance. Communication skills, teamwork, and the willingness to constantly develop are incredibly important in the world of software development. Many projects require close collaboration with colleagues and customers, so the ability to explain complex technical concepts in an understandable way is a big plus.

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Salary of a career changer software developer: What you can expect

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One of the most common questions asked by career changers is, of course, salary prospects. What can you expect as a newcomer to the industry? The good news: Salaries in software development are generally attractive, even for career changers.

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Here is a detailed overview based on the Stepstone 2024 salary report for IT occupations:

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Starting salary: As a career starter in software development, the average annual salary is around 46,800 euros. This may vary depending on the region and company size.

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Salary development: As experience increases, so does the salary. The salary report shows that software developers with 6-10 years of professional experience earn 67,600 euros on average.

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Regional differences: Salaries vary significantly depending on location. The highest average salaries are paid in Hesse (65,500 euros), Baden-Württemberg (64,900 euros) and Bavaria (64,600 euros).

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Industry differences: The industry also plays a role. Above-average salaries are paid in the automotive industry (69,100 euros) and in banking (68,300 euros).

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company size: In large companies with over 1,000 employees, the average salary for IT specialists is 67,800 euros, while in small companies and start-ups with up to 49 employees it is 54,100 euros.

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It is important to note that these figures represent averages and may vary depending on individual skills, negotiation skills, and specific company policies. In addition to the basic salary, many companies offer attractive additional benefits such as bonus payments, flexible working hours or continuing education budgets, which can increase the overall value of the compensation package.

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Opportunities for career changers: Diverse career paths

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The job market for software developers offers a wide range of opportunities, including for career changers. Here are some exciting paths you can take:

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Start-ups and small businesses: They are often particularly open to career changers who impress with their commitment and willingness to learn. Your educational path is secondary here. Since you work in a small team, interpersonal relationships are all the more important here. In start-ups, you can quickly take on responsibility and gain a wide range of experience. You often work in small teams on innovative projects and have the opportunity to experience the entire development process from idea to implementation.

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Freelancing and remote work: As a freelance developer, you can take on projects for various clients. This gives you flexibility in terms of working hours and location, as well as the opportunity to specialize in specific technologies or industries. Platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer.com or Toptal offer good entry opportunities for freelancers.

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Continuing education and specialization: The IT sector is constantly evolving, so continuous education is essential. You can specialize in promising areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, or blockchain. Such specializations make you particularly attractive to employers and can lead to significantly higher salaries.

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In-house developers in companies outside the industry: With increasing digitalization, companies outside the traditional IT sector are also increasingly looking for software developers. This offers the opportunity to combine your programming skills with your previous expertise — a big advantage for career changers.

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Networks and communities: Join developer communities, attend meetups and conferences. Networking can provide you with valuable contacts and insights into the industry. Platforms such as Meetup.com or Stack Overflow offer good opportunities to exchange ideas with like-minded people and learn from experienced developers.

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Participation in hackathons and coding competitions: These events are an excellent opportunity to show off your skills, learn about new technologies and meet potential employers or business partners

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How Simplejobs can help you

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Becoming a software developer as a career changer can be challenging, but you don't have to go it alone. That's where Simplejobs comes in — your partner for a smooth career change that really focuses on your needs as an employee.

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Free job suggestions: We offer you tailor-made job suggestions that are tailored to your skills and career aspirations. This service is completely free and aims to connect you with the best opportunities on the market.

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No temporary work: At Simplejobs, you can find permanent positions. We do not provide temporary or temporary jobs because we understand that stability is a key factor for career growth and satisfaction.

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Fair & tested jobs: Every job we suggest is carefully reviewed to ensure that it is not only fair but also of high quality. We only work with companies that meet our high standards in terms of working conditions and compensation.

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Personal contact: You get a personal contact at Simplejobs who will be by your side throughout the process. This contact person helps you to optimize your application documents, prepares you for job interviews and offers you assistance with negotiations.

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After a one-time registration, you will receive access to job offers that are specifically tailored to your competencies and career goals.

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Start your new, exciting career as a software developer with Simplejobs!

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With our specialized service, which is tailored to your needs as an employee, we not only offer you access to certified and fair jobs, but also long-term support from your personal contact. Take advantage of the variety of opportunities and let us achieve your professional goals together. Your next big opportunity is already waiting for you — sign up now and receive personalized job suggestions that really suit you.

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