C and C++ programmers and software engineers carry out development work on a wide range of IT products, including embedded software, applications and video games.
Key industries
Their skills are needed by a variety of organisations, including banks, electronics, defence, IT services and manufacturing companies, as well as software houses and games developers.
Entry requirements and salaries
Most employers look for graduates with a knowledge of the C and C++ programming languages to fill entry-level positions, with people who have good degrees in computer science, software engineering, maths or physics regarded as the strongest candidates. Staff with more than three years’ commercial programming experience will find they have a wealth of employment opportunities, as there is such high demand for their skills.
Specialist IT recruitment agencies always have permanent jobs for developers and software engineers, with salaries ranging from £30,000 to £50,000, and up to £70,000 for people who progress to development or project manager roles. Recruitment agencies can also supply experienced C and C++ contractors for anything from a few days’ work to major projects lasting more than a year. Contractors, who often work on a limited company basis, are usually very well paid, with daily rates of up to £700 available in the City of London.