Every day, people use some type of software. Software, nowadays, ranges from mobile applications, computer operating systems, social networks and video games. However, software doesn't materialize without the help of computer software engineers to create them.

Computer software engineers work in a diverse and secure job industry. In this article, we're going to address the most frequently asked questions about salary of this profession.

Computer engineers, also known as software engineers, are professionals responsible for designing, developing, optimizing and testing software and programs. They specialize in two distinct classifications: Applications and Systems Engineers.

Applications engineers analyze the computing needs of end users, and are responsible for designing custom programs made to meet their needs. Mobile app developers are probably the most common application software engineer working today.

Systems engineers coordinate the creation, maintenance and subsequent expansion of the internal computer systems belonging to a company or an organization. They typically organize their computing needs and control the technical direction of their entire department. They also, nowadays, handle the development of their network security systems.

What is the annual salary for a software engineer?

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics found that computer software engineers (systems engineers) earned an average salary of $99,000 in 2012.

Professionals in the top ten percent, during that year, earned an average of at least $148,850 annually. Those in the bottom 10 percent earned an average of about $62,800 per year.

Computer systems software developers earned an average salary of $118,040. These professionals worked in other related information services jobs. However, computer systems design, along with other related services, had the most employment during that year.

A software engineer salary is considered higher than the average salary in the United States. Overall, the average salary for a computer software engineer in the country is about $90,000.

What U.S. city pays the best salary for computer engineers?

Several cities across the United States pay computer software engineers well. Those cities include:

- El Centro, California – $128,000

- Haverhill, Massachusetts – $126,000

- Dalton, Georgia – $117,000

- San Jose, California – $116,000

- Punta Gorda, Florida – $112,000

Other best paying cities for computer engineer salary include San Francisco, CA ($116,000), New York City ($114,000) and Seattle, WA ($104,000).

What else should I know about a computer software engineer salary?

The lowest average salary for engineers in the United States ranges from as low as $60,000 to $80,000, typically for computer software engineer salary starting wages.

Hourly wages vary across the country. The lowest typically starts at $20 per hour, while the highest averages to at least $130 or more per hour. Wages are generally based on experience, location and the demand for a prospect's programming and work-related skills.

What's the job outlook for computer software engineers?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that the engineering industry to grow exceptionally fast within the next decade.

Employment for this industry is expected to increase by as much as 32 percent between the years 2010 to 2020. Demand for the job is expected to increase due to the growing need of software, since mobile technology, computing technology and the Internet are becoming widely used around the world.

Computer engineers will also be in demand for the growing computer and network security industry. Demand for better security systems will increase as companies and enterprises work to implement better security measures into their business networks.