Technology & Computing
Software Developer
You build the apps, websites and systems people use every day.
- Starting salary
- R18 000 – R35 000
- Job demand
- Growing fast
- Key subjects
- Mathematics, Information Technology
What do they do?
You build the apps, websites and systems people use every day.
A day in the life
You plan features with your team, write code, test it, fix bugs and ship updates. Lots of thinking, lots of problem solving, plenty of teamwork.
Skills you need
- Logical thinking
- Problem solving
- Patience
- Teamwork
- Self-learning
School subjects that help
- Mathematics
- Information Technology
- Computer Applications Technology
- Physical Sciences
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 1–3 years of study, or longer at university.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2Degree, diploma or bootcamp
- 3Internship / junior developer
- 4Software developer
Ways in: University degree · University of Technology · TVET College · Learnership · Self-taught + certification. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Cape Town
- University of Johannesburg
- University of South Africa
- TVET Colleges nationwide
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R18 000 – R35 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R35 000 – R60 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R60 000 – R120 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Try free coding on Scratch, Replit or freeCodeCamp
- • Build a small website about something you love
- • Join or start a coding club at school
Try this career
Build a simple one-page website about yourself using a free coding tool.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.