Working Life

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Analyse information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
• Analyse user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
• Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
• Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
• Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
• Coordinate installation of software system.
• Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.
• Determine system performance standards.
• Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
• Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include:Microsoft Cloud, Software Developer, ICT Systems and Principles for IT Professionals, IT Network Security.    

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: Cloud Computing, Cloud Computing with Coding, Software Development & Cloud Computing . Software Development. 

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships:  
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: ICT Apprenticeship, Cyber security, Software Developer Associate, Software Solutions Architect. 

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: Business (Cloud Computing), Cloud Computing, Software Design in Artificial Intelligence for Cloud Computing, Computer Science.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: Cloud Architecture, Cloud Migration, Cloud Security, Cloud Technologies, Computer Science & Cloud Security.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €90k

Salaries vary by employer, location, role, duties, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Azon/ Abrivia/ Archer/ Brightwater/ LIncoln/ Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: April, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Programmers and software development professionals.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Employment grew strongly for software developers/programmers between 2019 and 2022; following a fall in employment in 2023, it grew strongly in 2024 (by 7,400 persons), above 2022 levels.

Three quarters of employment was in the ICT sector with the remainder spread across sectors including financial, professional activities and industry. Less than a fifth of those employed were women, and 41% were non-Irish citizens which is over double the national average. Almost 2,400 new employment permits were issued in 2024 for various software developer/engineer roles.

The Recruitment Agency Survey highlighted issues in filling vacancies for software developer/ engineer roles with Skills for Growth data pointing to issues relating to cyber security, cloud security, AI, and DevOps and those with sales and innovation skills. Future demand for this occupation, especially entry-level roles, may be eased somewhat due to advances in technology, particularly if the adoption of artificial intelligence and increased automation extends to small and medium-sized firms and across sectors.

The share of online job adverts for these roles has declined in recent years and Indeed’s Job Posting Index for the UK and US shows a sharp fall in postings related to software development. Nonetheless, practical constraints on the widespread implementation of such technologies (e.g. finance, personnel and skills availability), as well as the demand to keep pace with emerging technologies, mean that shortages for this occupation, especially for senior roles, will persist.  

Skills shortage:

Software developers/ engineers

• Irish Computer Society

  • Click Here

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here

• Irish Software Association

  • Confederation House, 84/86 Lower Baggot St. Dublin 2
  • (01) 605 1500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Technology Ireland

  • 84/86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 605 1500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• FIT Fastrack into IT

  • FIT ltd Unit 2C Donnybrook Commercial Centre Donnybrook, Douglas, Cork
  • 021 242 8755
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here