How Many Jobs Are Available in Computer Software Prepackaged Software?

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Key Takeaways:

  • The prepackaged software industry employs around 259,000 people in the US as of 2021.
  • Jobs in prepackaged software are expected to grow at a rate of 22% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
  • Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers are among the most in-demand roles in prepackaged software.
  • California, Washington, Texas, New York and Massachusetts have the highest levels of employment in prepackaged software.
  • A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering or a related field is commonly required for prepackaged software jobs.
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Introduction

The prepackaged software industry, also known as packaged software or boxed software, refers to software applications and products that are ready-made for customers to install and use right away. Prepackaged software provides solutions for common business and consumer needs like office productivity, graphics, accounting, antivirus protection, database management and more. It represents a major segment of the overall software industry. But how many jobs are actually available in the prepackaged software sector?

This article will take a comprehensive look at employment levels and growth opportunities within prepackaged software. It evaluates key jobs and roles in demand, top employing states, and required education and skills. Whether you are exploring career options or analyzing industry trends, this guide provides valuable insights into the job outlook for prepackaged software. Discover how many jobs are available now and projected in the future – from software developers to sales representatives and more.

With prepackaged software powering many aspects of business and personal computing, understanding employment prospects can inform smart career and hiring decisions. This detailed evaluation aims to help readers understand the scale and growth of prepackaged software jobs across the United States.

How Fast Are Prepackaged Software Jobs Growing??

Prepackaged software jobs fall under the broader computer systems design and related services industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in this industry is projected to grow by 22% between 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This will result in around 367,600 new jobs in computer systems design during this period.

The rapid growth is fueled by strong demand for software solutions across industries as well as emerging technologies like cloud computing, big data analytics and mobile applications. As businesses rely more on software and IT services, employment of software developers, quality assurance analysts, technical support specialists and related roles is expected to rise accordingly. The prepackaged software segment will be at the forefront of this job growth.

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How Many Prepackaged Software Jobs Currently Exist??

According to market research firm IBISWorld, the prepackaged software industry employs around 259,000 people in the United States as of 2021. This includes jobs related to software publishing, development, distribution and support. It encompasses roles across the software product lifecycle, from initial design to final implementation and maintenance.

The packaged software market in the US is estimated to be worth around $180 billion currently. Leading vendors include Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, Salesforce, VMware, Adobe and Intuit among others. Core products include operating systems, office suites, databases, ERP, CRM, analytics and enterprise software. The scale of the industry translates into steady employment opportunities.

What Are The Most In-Demand Prepackaged Software Jobs??

Within the prepackaged software industry, some roles are especially sought after due to skillset requirements and overall demand. These include:

Software Developers: They design, develop and modify prepackaged software applications. With a median pay of over $110,000 a year, software developers are among the most in-demand and highest paid roles in the industry. Expertise in languages like Java, C++ and Python is especially valued.

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers: They identify software defects and bugs to ensure systems function as intended. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of QA methodologies are required. The role pays a median annual wage of around $92,000.

Technical Support Specialists: They provide assistance to users on software installation, configuration and troubleshooting issues via phone, email or chat. These customer-facing roles pay around $55,000 a year on average.

Sales Representatives: They sell software products and services to new and existing business customers. Sales reps earn a median pay of $60,000 annually and require sales skills and technical knowledge.

Computer Network Architects: They design and optimize network infrastructure for software systems and applications. Their median wage exceeds $112,000/year due to advanced technical expertise.

These and related roles represent the most in-demand opportunities for qualified professionals to build careers in prepackaged software.

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Which States Have The Most Prepackaged Software Jobs?

Given the technology-driven nature of prepackaged software, the top employers tend to be states with established software hubs and thriving innovation economies.

California far exceeds any other state with over 92,000 jobs in software publishing as of 2021, according to BLS data. The silicon valley area is home to software giants like Adobe, Intuit and Oracle.

Washington comes second with around 48,000 software publishing jobs, propelled by Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond.

Texas, New York and Massachusetts round out the top 5 with strong employment levels in major urban centers like Austin, New York City and Boston.

Other top employing states include Pennsylvania, Virginia, Illinois, New Jersey and Georgia. Large metro regions lead hiring, but jobs can be found across states, especially with remote work opportunities.

What Education and Skills Are Required for These Jobs?

Here are the typical credentials and abilities needed for prepackaged software roles:

  • Bachelor’s degree – Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology or a related quantitative field. Master’s degrees provide advantage for senior roles.
  • Technical skills – Proficiency in programming languages like C++, Java and Python is essential for developers. QA roles require automation and testing skills. All jobs demand problem-solving abilities.
  • Systems knowledge – Understanding of operating systems, databases, networks and other technologies used in software.
  • Analytical abilities – Attention to detail and analytical thinking allow detection and troubleshooting of system issues.
  • Communication skills – Jobs involve collaborating with teams and conveying technical information suitable for different audiences.
  • Business skills – Knowledge of the software industry and market dynamics is useful in product development and sales roles.

A combination of the right degree, technical expertise, systems knowledge and soft skills can open up lucrative prepackaged software career opportunities.

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Conclusion

Prepackaged software represents a sizeable and rapidly growing part of the technology industry. Current employment levels exceed 250,000 jobs and are projected to rise by 22% over the next decade. Roles in high demand include software developers, QA professionals, technical support specialists, sales reps and network architects. California leads hiring, but opportunities exist across states. A relevant bachelor’s degree along with technology skills, system knowledge and communication abilities can position jobseekers for success. This analysis provides key data points on the scale and growth potential of careers in prepackaged software.

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Meghan

The Editorial Team at AnswerCatch.com brings you insightful and accurate content on a wide range of topics. Our diverse team of talented writers is passionate about providing you with the best possible reading experience.