Intrigued by the digital age’s rapid evolution, many have wondered: how many software developers in the world?
In recent decades, the global community of software developers has experienced immense growth.
This surge has played a pivotal role in unlocking the extraordinary potential of driving innovation at an unprecedented pace.
From the apps we depend on to the essential software programs we use, software development stands as the driving force propelling society towards progress.
Now, you might be wondering, just how many software developers are there in the world?
In this post, we’ll delve into the number of professionals within this sector. We’ll look at the various sub-fields and locations.
We’ll also take a peek into the future to see what lies ahead for software engineers and developers in the years to come.
As per Global Count, 26.3 million, number of software developers are there in the world, marking a 3.1% increase in the number of software developers in the world in 2021. They project this growth to continue, reaching 29.3 million developers worldwide by 2027.
Notably, the Asia-Pacific region, led by India, is set to experience the highest software developer growth rate at 17%, followed by North America at 15% and Latin America at 14%. 2018’s data highlights that there were 23 million programmers globally.
This number has increased by over 20% in the last five years, reaching 27.7 million in 2023. In the future, by the year 2024, it’s expected to reach over 28.7 million.
Reports show a surge in population growth, internet connection expansion, and penetration. Owing to this, we might see the number of software developers nearly double in the next decade, reaching around 45 million by 2030.
The need for software developers is surging. It is expected that by 2024, the number of jobs for software and app developers will grow exponentially by 12.5% as compared to 2014.
The US Bureau Department of Labor Statistics anticipates an even more substantial growth of 24% in software developer jobs between 2016 and 2026.
A software developer is a professional who designs, creates, and maintains computer programs and applications.
They write the code that makes software run, ensuring it meets the needs of users and functions correctly.
Software Engineer play a crucial role in the technology industry, turning ideas into functional software products that power our digital world.
Software developers, or engineers, are the creators of technology products. Their role involves developing enterprise solutions, including software solutions development and applications development.
Their job is to handle various tasks in the development process, such as designing, coding, debugging, testing, and ensuring the software meets user needs.
Software developers have a variety of specialties and skills to offer in different programming languages, such as Java, PHP, Python, .NET, or full stack developers.
Some focus on mobile app development, while others specialize in technologies like AI and machine learning. In essence, developers play a crucial role in shaping the platforms we depend on.
Are you looking for top-notch software development? Revolutionize your software development journey with CodeNinja. Their extensive network of expert software developers for hire ensures your projects are in capable hands.
Experience excellence without the premium price tag!
Software developers and software engineers are two closely related roles in the tech industry, but they have distinct differences in their focus and responsibilities.
Although both roles revolve around software development, Software developers specialize in software application development, while Software engineers tackle larger, more intricate projects involving complex software systems.
Your choice between these paths should align with your interests and the type of project you find most appealing.
Imagine a future where a mind-boggling 500 billion devices are all connected to the internet. That’s the tech landscape experts predict for 2030.
And with this explosion of connectivity, the demand for software engineers is set to soar.
As of 2022, the global count of software engineers in the US stood at an impressive 26.9 million. The number of software engineers in the USA approximates 4.4 million.
The United States has emerged as a powerhouse in the realm of software development. Thanks to its abundant resources and vibrant startup culture, it’s become a hotspot for tech enthusiasts.
According to the Developer Nation survey, a significant 43% of individuals in the software development industry identify themselves as either programmers or software developers.
There are also other prevalent roles, including computer and data science students, leaders of technology and engineering teams, software architects, machine learning developers, and data engineers.
These discoveries closely match Data USA’s assessments, which suggest that approximately 1.42 million individuals are employed as software engineers are there in the US.
The majority of these developers find employment in the computer systems design sector, while the second-largest contingent works in architectural, engineering, and related services.
California stands out as the top state for highest numbers of software engineers in us. It boasts 628,414 software developers who excel, with the highest average scores per developer.
It offers a more affordable cost of living for skilled programmers compared to California. The location quotient, a measure of programmer concentration, in Washington is 1.66, indicating a strong tech community.
There are around 1,365,500 software developer jobs available in the US, and this number is expected to increase by 284,100 in 2028.
When addressing the question “How many software developers are in the US and worldwide?” it’s also necessary to take into account the employment rate for tech specialists. It is expected to grow by 21% within the period mentioned.
California, on the other hand, has the most significant number of programmers, totaling 628,414. However, its location quotient is 1.44, lower than in Washington and some other states.
Despite California’s status as a tech hub, the growth of tech specialists is happening nationwide, not just in Silicon Valley. This expansion contributes to the continuous increase in the number of software developers across the US.
The 2022 data on the employment landscape in U.S. states reveals interesting trends.
States like Utah 67.1%, Colorado 66.3%, Iowa 66.3%, and Minnesota 66.3% maintain high employment level and concentration, each with its own degree of annual change.
On a different note, West Virginia has the lowest employment rate at 52.5%, but there’s a silver lining with a 1.3% uptick.
Mississippi records 52.7%, and New Mexico follows at 54.2%, both displaying encouraging signs of progress
These figures reveal the diverse employment landscapes in various U.S. states.
Some areas are moving towards improvement, while others are still grappling with enduring employment challenges.
Subscribe now to get latest blogs on update.
"*" indicates required fields
Software Developers in Europe, there are approximately 6.1 million software developers, with Germany leading the way with over 1 million professionals.
Following closely are France and the UK, with 533,000 and 465,000 software developers, respectively.
Despite the continuous growth of the software developer community, many Western countries are grappling with the challenge of sourcing local engineering talent.
The high demand for IT professionals has created a shortage of 500,000 software developers in the EU tech market.
Manpower Group highlights Finland as a leader in the year-over-year talent gap increase.
In various industries, 66% to 90% of Finnish companies struggle to find the skills they need. Similar talent shortages exist in Sweden and Portugal, affecting 56% to 65% of businesses.
In Spain, Belgium, and Italy, 41% to 52% of organizations face talent acquisition difficulties.
While in Norway, the UK, France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, 15% to 40% of organizations feel the impact of this talent shortage challenge.
Traditionally, the United States, China, and India have been seen as software development leaders. But recently, Eastern European countries have entered the spotlight, boasting a pool of highly skilled software engineers.
Eastern Europe’s software development sector is growing rapidly, with more than 1.3 million developers, this number is expected to continue rising in the coming years.
Additionally, the region boasts between 4,500 to 6,500 software development outsourcing Companies.
This shift has prompted tech giants like Microsoft, IBM, and Google to tap into Eastern Europe’s talent.
Eastern European programmers offer top-notch IT services, are proficient in English, and share a convenient time zone.
Plus, their services come at a reasonable cost compared to the US and Western Europe.
In Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Poland, and Romania are often the top choices for software development outsourcing or staffing, while Serbia, Bulgaria, Russia, and Georgia are also on the list.
The recent Software Development Report identified a significant IT workforce of 175,000 professionals in Ukraine alone, with over 23,000 graduates annually adding to Eastern Europe’s growing pool of programmers.
Notably, Poland’s IT market has been thriving, growing three times faster than India’s, and now hosts 160,000 software developers in international companies.
Governments in Eastern Europe are actively supporting the IT sector with incentives and benefits for tech companies and startups.
For instance, Belarus, with 54,000 IT experts serving clients in 193 countries, introduced a special taxation system to encourage international collaboration and startup growth.
Similarly, Ukraine and Poland have created favorable environments for both IT employees and employers, with initiatives like tax incentives aimed at attracting tech companies.
When examining the landscape of software development, it becomes evident that the majority (60%) of professionals in this field are concentrated within ten nations.
Among these, the United States and India emerge as the frontrunners, boasting 18.33% and 12.61% of the global software developer population, respectively.
Following closely behind are Germany, comprising 6.72%, and the United Kingdom, contributing 5.37%.
These figures shed light on the geographical concentration of software developers, a phenomenon likely attributed to the robust infrastructure and resources present in these nations, which foster a thriving software development industry.
Furthermore, these statistics may serve as a gauge for the robustness of the educational systems, economic stability, and accessibility to capital and resources in these countries, all of which play pivotal roles in supporting the software development sector.
Additionally, they might also reflect the prevalent global digital divide, wherein nations with higher developmental indices tend to have broader access to resources.
In stark contrast, countries with lower developmental indices may encounter challenges in producing an ample number of software developers.
JavaScript maintains its status as the reigning champion among programming languages, with a whopping 20 million active javascript developers worldwide.
Its dominance seems secure, given its community has nearly doubled in size over the past five years, starting from 10.7 million in 2018, and it continues to grow steadily year after year.
JavaScript isn’t just a favorite among seasoned developers; it’s also highly favored by those learning to code. Its versatility extends across various software sectors, with over 20% of software engineers incorporating it into their projects.
Java holds a strong second position as the most popular programming language, with 17.1 million Java developers actively using it as of Q1 2023.
Originally designed for digital cable television, Java quickly evolved into a versatile language, gaining a global following.
In 2007, when it became open source, its user base had already reached 6 million. Recently, Java has seen remarkable growth due to the surge in cloud computing and mobile tech.
It plays a pivotal role in Android app development and is a foundation for AR/VR innovation. Over the past two years, Java welcomed almost 8 million new users, the highest growth across all languages.
Python solidified its position in the top three and is steadily closing in on Java’s popularity, boasting a substantial community of 17.1 million active python developers.
Python’s rise is driven by its widespread adoption in data science and machine learning.
C/C++ continues to hold its ground with 13.3 million C plus plus software engineers. Its community has nearly doubled since 2015, driven by the growing adoption of IoT, where C and C++ are core languages.
C# is used by an estimated 6.5 million c C-sharp software developers, while PHP has a thriving community of 6.3 million PHP developers.
PHP’s community has steadily grown, from 5 million in 2013 to 6.1 million in 2019, making it a significant player in the programming landscape.
Description: An open-source language known for building simple, reliable, and efficient software.
Average Salary: Go programmers earn an average of $110,000 per year.
Notable Users: Uber, SoundCloud, Netflix, Dropbox.
Description: A general-purpose language supporting functional programming and a strong static type system.
Average Salary: Scala developers earn up to $110,000 per year.
Notable Feature: Designed to address criticisms of Java.
Description: One of the oldest programming languages, widely used by Apple for mac OS and iOS.
Average Salary: Objective-C developers earn between $100,000 to $110,000 per year.
Notable for: Profitability and longevity.
Description: A language that compiles to JavaScript, adding features like list comprehension.
Average Salary: CoffeeScript developers earn an average of $105,000 per year.
Description: An open-source language and environment for statistical computing and data analysis.
Average Salary: R programmers earn an average of $100,000 per year.
Popular Among: Statisticians and data miners.
Description: A Microsoft-developed language adding static typing to JavaScript.
Average Salary: Proficient TypeScript developers can earn $100,000 per year.
Description: A domain-specific language for managing data in relational databases.
Average Salary: SQL programmers earn between $70,000 to $90,000 per year.
Used by: Google, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, Amazon.
Description: A widely popular language for client-server web applications.
Average Salary: Java developers can earn up to $117,000 per year.
Notable for: Over 9 million developers worldwide.
Description: A high-level language known for its readability and versatility.
Average Salary: Python experts can expect around $99,000 per year.
Widely Used in: Data analysis and general-purpose programming.
Description: A core technology for web content production, making web pages interactive.
Average Salary: JavaScript programmers earn up to $110,000 per year.
Description: A general-purpose language with object-oriented and low-level features.
Average Salary: C++ professionals can earn between $90,000 to $100,000 per year.
Description: Developed by Microsoft, used for the Common Language Infrastructure.
Average Salary: C# developers earn around $107,000 per year
Description: A server-side scripting language primarily used for web development.
Average Salary: Programmers skilled in PHP, Python, or Node.js can earn up to $120,000 per year.
Description: A family of high-level, dynamic programming languages known for versatility.
Average Salary: Perl programmers earn about $110,000 per year.
Description: Developed by Apple for iOS, macOS, and more, Swift is a versatile language.
Average Salary: Swift developers can earn from $80,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on expertise and role.
These languages offer lucrative career opportunities based on their unique features, demands, and application areas. Mastery of any of these languages can open doors to well-paying positions in the tech industry.
In Latin America, there are more than 1 Million software developers and the developers community continues to grow rapidly. It is among the best country for software engineers.
Countries across the region are focusing on enhancing tech skills, fostering tech careers, and bolstering education in this field.
To address the rising demand for tech professionals and combat poverty, the Argentinian government introduced the Argentina Program 4.0 in late 2022.
This initiative offers free training in coding and digital skills while aiming to place individuals into tech companies.
Argentina is just one example of Latin American nations actively promoting tech careers and skills development.
Moreover, the region is experiencing significant investment in startups, with approximately $19.5 billion in venture capital and technology growth investments in 2021, as reported by Crunc hbase.
Latin America has also emerged as a prime outsourcing destination, boasting high skill levels and strong English proficiency. However, a challenge—and opportunity—lies in the demand for talent outpacing its supply.
As a result, aspiring tech talent in the region can anticipate a range of career opportunities in an industry with substantial growth potential.
Country | Number of Developers |
Brazil | 500,000 |
Mexico | 225,000 |
Argentina | 115,000 |
Colombia | 62,000 |
Chile | 61,000 |
Source: Statista
The demand for app developers is soaring, as an increasing number of businesses across various industries are enlisting the services of top app development companies.
When we look at the global landscape, Asia takes the lead, boasting the largest pool of app developers at 32.9%.
Following closely behind is Europe, which holds a substantial 29.7% of the market share. These insights are gleaned from statistics in the software development industry.
Asia stands out as the hub of app development with a staggering 6.5 million software developers.
Statista, a reliable source, notes a remarkable surge in tech talent within this region, particularly in China, where the growth rate hovers between 6% and 8%. It is among the best country for software engineers
One of the significant contributions of Asia to the tech world is its thriving outsourcing market. Many Western businesses turn to Asia for outsourcing due to cost-efficiency and a wealth of skilled professionals.
India, in particular, shines as a prime example, with its IT industry expanding at an impressive rate exceeding 7.5%.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that come with the Asian tech scene.
Language barriers can sometimes pose difficulties when collaborating with service providers from Western countries. Additionally, the time zone differences can create hurdles, as working hours may not align perfectly.
Nevertheless, the lure of lower development costs compared to Western counterparts remains a compelling advantage for organizations operating in this dynamic tech landscape
The 2021 Africa Developer Report from Google reveals that there are approximately 716,000 software developers in Africa. South Africa plays a significant role in this count, boasting 121,000 developers.
These proficient individuals possess a diverse range of programming skills, including mobile, web, and app development.
It’s worth noting that, as emphasized in the report, every other African software developer has the ability to create Android apps.
These developers are well-rewarded for their skills and experience. In 2021, the remuneration for software developers in Africa witnessed an 11% increase.
Those in mid-senior career positions earn the highest incomes, particularly in advancing economies like South Africa.
To provide context, mid-career developers typically earn around $25,500 annually, while senior software developers command an annual income of $55,500.
The report also emphasizes that African developers exhibit strong programming capabilities in both web and mobile domains, with half of them proficient in Android app development.
According to the report, “Software developer compensation rose by an average of 11% in 2021. Mid-to-senior level developers and professionals in advancing countries benefited most from this trend.“
Africa’s burgeoning tech startup ecosystem is fueling the demand for African developers, and this demand is expected to soar as the ecosystem continues its remarkable growth over the long term.
Here are the top ten African countries with the highest concentration of software developers, as outlined in Google’s report:
In South Africa, there are 121,0000 Software Developers and South Africa is leading with the highest concentration of software developers in Africa.
These numbers highlight the significant presence of software developers in these African countries, showcasing their growing influence in the global tech community.
Let’s have a look at the key trends shaping the future of software engineering:
Let’s take a look into the world of software development and uncover some intriguing statistics.
First off, it’s a field predominantly steered by men, making up nearly 92% of the workforce.
This gender skew is even more pronounced in the US, where men constitute 76% of the total developer population.
Now, this raises a red flag about diversity. Having such a lopsided ratio suggests potential barriers for female individuals trying to break into the industry.
It’s not just a missed opportunity for tapping into the rich talent pool that women bring, but also a sign that the products and services created might not be catering to the diverse needs of our society.
Gender | Global | US |
Male Developers | 92 % | 76 % |
Female Developers | 8 % | 24 % |
The typical software developer falls in the 25 to 34 age bracket, accounting for almost 40% of the workforce.
Surprisingly, young blood (18 to 24-year-olds) makes up a significant quarter of the developer community.
The older guards, those between 35 and 44, make up roughly 18%.
Then, we have the 45 to 54-year-olds at around 6.6%. The seasoned pros, 65 and above, are a tiny fraction, less than 1%. And not to forget the under-18 whiz kids, constituting about 6.5%.
This age spread paints an interesting picture. It tells us that software development is a profession that appeals to and is accessible to younger generations.
The fact that the average age is so young also suggests that this field is dynamic and constantly evolving.
As technology advances, the skills needed to thrive in this arena evolve with it.
This means that a newbie might be on par with a veteran, driving innovation in the world of software development.
Age Bracket | Percentage of Workforce |
Under 18 | 6.50% |
18 – 24 | 25% |
25 – 34 | 40% |
35 – 44 | 18% |
45 – 54 | 6.60% |
65 and above | < 1% |
CodeNinja stands as an exceptional choice for a tech talent partner in software development, offering a range of compelling advantages.
CodeNinja’s enterprise development approach is both agile and collaborative, offering solutions for building high-level apps, integrating APIs or third-party applications, and modernizing legacy systems.
This comprehensive suite of services positions CodeNinja as an invaluable partner for businesses seeking to elevate their software design and development endeavors.
Software engineers typically work around 40 to 50 hours a week. However, it can vary depending on the company and project deadlines.
As of the latest data available (up until September 2021), there are approximately 26.4 million software developers worldwide.
Becoming a software engineer usually takes around 4 to 6 years. This includes earning a degree in computer science or a related field and gaining practical experience
On average, software engineers work about 8 hours a day. Again, this can vary based on specific company policies and project demands.
There are several types of software engineers, including front-end, back-end, full-stack, mobile app developers, game developers, and more. Each specializes in different aspects of software development.
As of my last knowledge update in September 2023, there were millions of software engineering jobs available worldwide. The demand for software engineers continues to grow.
It typically takes around 5 to 10 years of professional experience to become a senior developer. This can vary based on individual performance and the company’s specific criteria.
There is no exact count available, but C++ remains a widely used programming language, and there are millions of programmers proficient in it worldwide. approx, 13.3 million software engineers.
Software engineering encompasses various fields, including web development, mobile app development, game development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more
Software engineers usually work five days a week, Monday to Friday. However, occasional overtime or weekend work might be required, especially during critical project phases.
In conclusion, the global community of software developers is thriving, playing a pivotal role in shaping our digital landscape.
With millions of talented minds driving innovation, the demand for reliable and skilled development services has never been higher.
This is where CodeNinja steps in as your trusted partner. Our team of experts combines experience and creativity to deliver solutions that exceed expectations.
Embrace the future of software development with CodeNinja – where your ideas come to life, flawlessly.
Elevate your projects today! Get In Touch
Technical Content Writer
Zobaria is a Technical Content Writer at CodeNinja – scaling businesses in the SaaS, Quick Commerce, Food-tech, Data Analytics, Healthcare, Ed-Tech sectors through SEO & Content Marketing. For the last 5+ years, she’s been working with both local and international marketing agencies.
Get in touch with us
Looking for offshore software development team that suits your growing business needs?
Subscribe now to get latest blogs on update.
"*" indicates required fields
Share This Article
20 minutes Table of Content Why Outsource Software Development to Latin America? In the modern
20 minutes Table of Content Intrigued by the digital age’s rapid evolution, many have wondered:
20 minutes Table of Content Best Countries to Outsource Software Development Software development and IT
20 minutes Table of Content What is an ODC Offshore Development Centers? An offshore development
