Software Developer — O*NET Occupation Study

About this study

Mercor is building a new, more accurate version of O*NET — the U.S. government's framework for describing occupations and the tasks they involve. We are gathering input directly from experienced practitioners to improve how the work of software developers is described.

About the role (SOC 15-1252.00 — Software Developers)

Software developers research, design, and build computer software, network software, or specialized utility programs. They analyze user needs, determine the feasibility of designs within time and cost constraints, and develop software solutions by applying principles of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Their work spans the full development lifecycle: defining specifications and performance requirements, architecting systems, directing testing and validation procedures, and modifying existing software to correct errors, adapt to new hardware, or improve performance. They may coordinate with hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and they often own decisions about system design rather than executing designs handed to them.

This occupation excludes

• Web developers (15-1254.00), whose work centers on developing and implementing websites, web applications, and interactive web interfaces. A worker whose primary responsibility is building or maintaining websites, optimizing website performance, or integrating websites with other applications is a web developer, even if they write substantial application code. The distinguishing test is the artifact: web developers produce web properties; software developers produce software systems and applications more broadly, of which the web may be one deployment surface among many.

• Computer programmers (15-1251.00), who create, modify, and test code working from specifications drawn up by software developers or others. The distinguishing test is authorship of the design: programmers implement designs they are given, while software developers analyze requirements, produce the design, and direct development. A worker who primarily writes and debugs code to someone else's specification is a programmer, not a developer.

What you'll do

• Complete a one-time online survey/interview about your day-to-day work as a software developer. It takes up to 30 minutes.

• There may be an optional follow-up survey, task, or short interview afterward, which would be paid separately.

Who we're looking for (eligible applicants have)

• 4+ years of experience working specifically as a software developer.

• Current work, or work within the last 12 months, in the role.

• Direct knowledge of design, coding, and deployment tasks.

• U.S.-based.

Not eligible (common confounders)

• Software QA analysts and testers whose role is testing rather than development (SOC 15-1253.00).

• IT support, help desk, or system administrators who do not develop software.

• Computer programmers (SOC 15-1251.00).

• Web developers (SOC 15-1254.00).

• Computer systems analysts (SOC 15-1211.00).

• Computer systems engineers (SOC 15-1299.08).

• Computer and information systems managers (SOC 11-3021.00).

Reference for the occupation: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1252.00