The highest paid software developers are those that have a high level of expertise in programming languages and can build dynamic web applications. These engineers are in demand because they can create software solutions that meet the needs of businesses and their users.
If you want to advance your career in the tech industry, then learning to code is essential. Learn the most popular programming languages and build a versatile skill set to get hired at these companies.
1. Google
Google is an internet search engine that organizes the world’s information and makes it universally accessible. It’s also a major company that offers a variety of other products and services, including the mobile operating system Android, Google Maps, YouTube, and more.
A software engineer at Google works 40-50 hours per week, depending on the project and workload. They typically earn a salary that is based on their experience and tier-based level.
The highest paid software developer at Google is Jeff Dean, who reportedly takes home $3 million a year. However, even that is not an extraordinary amount for a developer, and the majority of Google engineers make much less than that.
2. Facebook
Facebook is a social networking website that started in Mark Zuckerberg’s dorm room at Harvard in 2004 and now has over 2.23 billion active users worldwide. It was created to allow people to connect with their friends and share information about the world around them.
Its mission is to “connect every person in the world.” CEO Mark Zuckerberg often says that this is the company’s “guiding star,” and it’s a good thing, but it has also put Facebook in a bind.
Facebook’s problems vary wildly from violation of individual privacy, bullying small companies as a monopoly, damaging teens’ mental health, inciting violent insurrections — but they all stem from a fundamental tradeoff that arises when connecting people. That’s called the Facebook Trap, and it’s a problem that isn’t going away.
3. Microsoft
Microsoft, founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, is the world’s largest software developer. It produces operating systems and software for personal computers, tablets, phones, and servers.
It is based in Redmond, Washington. The company also offers cloud computing services and a variety of business software.
The company’s best known product is Windows, an operating system that runs on almost all PCs. Its other notable products include the Xbox gaming console, the Surface tablet computer, and various versions of its Office software suite.
Despite a history of anti-competitive practices, Microsoft remains the world’s leading software developer and maintains a significant market share. It has also entered other industries such as mobile and video gaming. As such, the company is well positioned to continue its leadership as the highest paid software developer in 2021.
4. Amazon
Amazon has a diverse set of business interests, including e-commerce, cloud computing, online advertising, digital streaming and artificial intelligence. It also has a growing hardware business, which includes an Amazon Echo that can control internet-of-things devices, order an Uber, and play music from Spotify.
As the world’s largest company, Amazon is facing an unusual amount of scrutiny from a variety of sources. Antitrust regulators, labor activists and politicians have all voiced their disapproval of the company’s growing power.
It’s also faced some legal challenges, such as a 2010 antitrust ruling against the company’s purchase of Quidsi, a health-care product company. But it has managed to escape those issues because of its customer-first policies, argues tech and antitrust lawyer Lina Khan.
5. Apple
Apple, headquartered in Cupertino, California, is one of the world’s most valuable technology companies. It designs and manufactures personal computers, mobile phones, digital music players, and computer accessories.
Its best-known products are the Macintosh computer line and the iPhone and iPod touch. It also sells software and services.
The company’s founder, Steve Jobs, was a visionary who conceived the idea for the graphical user interface (GUI). He developed a business model that rewarded developers for their innovative contributions.