How Long Does It Take To Learn Software Engineering?

Key Takeaways

You have several options for developing software engineering skills, such as bootcamps, online courses, self-study methods, or earning a degree, which can take a matter of weeks, months, or years to complete. Here are some important things to know:

• You can gain proficiency in foundational software engineering skills in as little as three months or as long as four years, depending on the learning path you choose. 

• Advanced software engineering skills are achievable over an extended period of time (typically four to six years) by earning a relevant degree and continuous learning outside of the classroom.

• Software engineering roles present a high earning potential. Data from ADP Research shows that working in software development can yield a salary more than 2.5 times higher than the average for workers across all professions in the United States [1].

Just as everyone learns differently, the amount of time it takes to learn also varies from person to person. When investing time in learning software engineering, your anticipated timeline can vary depending on your chosen learning method. 

Investing your time in learning software engineering can be a worthwhile venture as you can find opportunities in a wide range of industries, earn a high salary, and benefit from the high demand for your skills. Expand those skills by enrolling in the IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate.

Keep reading to get answers to questions like, “How long does it take to learn software engineering?” Along the way, you can also explore some possible software engineering career paths and gather helpful tips for getting your start in this field. 

How long does it take to learn basic software engineering?

You can gain foundational software engineering skills proficiency in as little as three months or as long as four years, depending on your chosen learning path. 

Enrolling in a bootcamp can be a time-efficient path toward your goals, as these intensive programs allow you to develop specific skills in a relatively short time frame. While some bootcamps last twelve weeks, most typically take four to six months on average. Remember that consistent, intensive effort toward learning is necessary to make significant progress in that short a time frame. However, a benefit of bootcamps is that they often help prepare you with the practical skills currently in demand by employers, so you can be job-ready.

If learning at your own speed sounds like your preferred learning style, you can take individually paced online courses and self-study to learn software engineering skills. For example, on Coursera, you can choose from a wide range of software engineering courses focusing on fundamental concepts. Introduction to Software Engineering from IBM takes learners an average of 14 hours to complete, while Duke University's Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals course takes approximately six months to complete if you commit ten hours each week. Beyond online classes, you can also access valuable learning materials, such as books and video tutorials, to teach yourself software engineering.

On a foundational level, a primary skill to focus on developing is computer programming. You have many different programming languages to select from, but consider directing your efforts towards more popular languages such as Python, JavaScript, Java, C#, Ruby, and SQL. Consider learning multiple programming languages, striving for proficiency in at least two. Other key software engineering concepts to know include software design, testing, deployment, and maintenance. 

How long does it take to learn advanced software engineering?

Advanced software engineering skills are achievable over an extended period of time (typically four to six years) by earning a relevant degree and continuous learning outside of the classroom. As a software engineer, a bachelor’s degree that will set you up for success includes a bachelor’s in software engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering. After earning your bachelor’s degree, you can continue on to earn a master’s degree in software engineering, or more niche areas such as cybersecurity or data science if you have an interest in a specific field. 

During your studies, your coursework will likely include subjects such as the software development life cycle, software design, system verification, operating systems, embedded systems, data structures, artificial intelligence, machine learning, calculus, and linear algebra.

Considering the constant evolution of technology, truly advanced skills in software engineering require a commitment to continuous learning. This will enable you to keep up with the latest developments and remain highly skilled in your discipline. To do so, capitalize on the many online courses you have available with resources such as Coursera, attend industry events, and make honest assessments of your skill set to highlight potential areas for improvement.

Typical salary and job outlook for software engineers

Software engineering roles present a high earning potential. Data from ADP Research shows that working in software development can yield a salary more than 2.5 times higher than the average for workers across all professions in the United States. According to Glassdoor, software engineers earn an average annual base salary of $111,756 [2]. In addition to being well paid, software engineers are also in high demand. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs in this field to grow 17 percent from 2023 to 2033, well above the national average for all other careers, which comes in at 4 percent [3].

Software engineer career path

As you begin your career, you may become a junior software engineer. In this entry-level position, your job responsibilities will include contributing to specific areas of a larger project by writing and debugging code and testing software programs alongside your team. As you progress in your career, you can gain greater responsibility and take on more leadership positions such as information technology project manager, solutions architect, senior software engineer, and director of software development.

In addition to these more senior roles, you can pursue job opportunities in various software engineering specializations. Take a look at some of these adjacent job titles and their average annual salary:

• Software integration engineer: $119,878

• Video game designer: $72,426

• DevOps engineer: $113,376

• Security engineer: $127,669

• Data scientist: $113,559

• Application developer: $107,118

• Mobile developer: $106,748

• Systems analyst: $97,822

*All annual base salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of April 2025 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

Tips for getting a job in software engineering

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has been creating shifts in the software engineering field, with a sharp skill set and willingness to keep up with technological advancements more important than ever. Staying abreast of AI and developing a solid understanding of business needs are among the chief skills you will need. 

Additionally, the following tips can help you along your career path. 

Gain experience

Whether you’re looking for entry-level software engineering jobs or advancing in your career, having the means to show employers that you have relevant experience is a valuable way to demonstrate your ability to do the job. This relevant experience can come from a number of different avenues, such as internships, coursework from your degree program, projects from your bootcamp, or personal projects you built yourself.

Get certified

Software engineering is a field that requires ongoing learning, and certifications offer excellent proof of your commitment to your craft. Some software engineering certifications for you to consider earning include the following:

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from Scrum Alliance: This in-demand credential helps you hone skills like leadership, continuous improvement, and team dynamics while also demonstrating your proficiency in the Scrum framework.

• Professional Software Engineering Master Certification (PSEM) from the IEEE Computer Society: This certification requires thorough knowledge of the software engineering process, including design, maintenance, configuration, and testing.

• Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional from ISC2: This credential focuses more on integrating security practices into the software development lifecycle and validating your skills.

• Amazon AWS Certified Developer Associate: If you work with (or intend to work with) cloud-based applications, this credential can support your expertise and help you build the relevant skills.

Network

Growing your network is worth the effort and comes with a list of benefits. Not only can networking help you land your next software engineering job, but building a strong network also puts you in a good position to find even more opportunities in the future. While you can network online using resources such as LinkedIn, meeting people in person will help build a more personal connection. Consider building and expanding your network by attending events such as job fairs, conferences, or alumni events. 

Practice

Since getting a job in software engineering largely depends on whether or not you have the necessary skills, it’s vital that you emphasize continuing to practice. You can do so by taking online courses and working on personal projects to add to your portfolio.

Learn more with our free resources.

Exploring a career in software engineering? Stay updated on the latest career trends with our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat! Or, browse our other free resources:

• Get a start: How to Start Learning Software Development: A Custom Course Guide

• Watch on YouTube: Software Engineering Roadmap for Beginners (With NO Experience) or Climbing the Code Ladder: Mapping Your Software Engineering Career Path

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