IT Support vs Software Developer in 2026: Salary, Training, and Which Career Fits You
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IT support specialists, classified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics under computer support specialists, earn a median salary of $61,550 per year. Software developers earn $133,080. Both careers operate within the technology sector, but the training investment, daily responsibilities, and long-term outlook for each path differ sharply.
Which Program Is the Right Fit for You?
IT support may be the stronger fit if:
- You want to start working in technology within months, not years
- You prefer solving immediate, concrete problems over building long-term projects from scratch
- You are comfortable with a median salary around $61,550 and plan to specialize in cloud, cybersecurity, or networking to grow from there
- You learn best through hands-on troubleshooting and practical lab work
- You want to keep your upfront training costs under $2,000 with a certification-first approach
Software development may be the stronger fit if:
- You are willing to invest two to four years in a degree or 12 to 24 weeks in a coding bootcamp before entering the workforce
- You enjoy writing code, solving abstract logic problems, and building applications from the ground up
- You are motivated by a median salary of $133,080 and a field where top earners regularly exceed $200,000 in total compensation
- You want to work in an occupation projected to grow by 16% over the next decade
- You are prepared for continuous learning, since programming languages, frameworks, and industry tools evolve constantly
IT Support and Software Development Programs on Dreambound
Dreambound is a free platform that helps students compare accredited training programs across the United States. The options below cover both short-track IT support training and longer software development pathways, so you can match a program to the career direction you chose in the previous section.
IT Support Programs
- Southern Careers Institute - Computer Support Specialist is an online program that centers on computer hardware and software, troubleshooting and customer service, and fundamental networking concepts that map closely to the topics covered on the CompTIA A+ exam. The program runs fully online, which works well for students balancing work or family responsibilities.
- If you would rather earn a college credential before moving into IT support, Southern New Hampshire University - AS Information Technologies is an online associate degree option that covers a broader base of IT knowledge including information security and systems planning. Credits earned in the associate program can often be applied toward a bachelor's degree if you decide to continue your schooling.
Software Development Programs
- For students who want a shorter path into software development without a four-year commitment, Southern Careers Institute - Software Developer focuses on full-stack development and offers a structured online program that is estimated to take 33 weeks (700 hours) for full-time enrollment. The online format lets students keep working while they train, which matters for career changers.
- If you are aiming for the kind of developer role that typically expects a bachelor's degree, ECPI University - Software Development Bachelor's uses a year-round schedule that may reduce the timeline to about 2.5 years instead of the usual four. Students cover object-oriented programming, database design, web development, and core principles in software development across the program.
Browse more technology training programs on Dreambound to compare options by cost, length, and format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you switch from IT support to software development?
Yes, and it is a well-documented career path. Many IT support professionals transition by learning programming languages like Python or JavaScript while continuing their support work. The systems knowledge you build in IT support, especially around operating systems, networking, and infrastructure, provides useful context that many bootcamp graduates lack. The transition typically takes several months to a year of focused study or completion of a coding bootcamp. Search software developer programs on Dreambound to see what training options match your schedule.
Do software developers need a four-year college degree?
Not always. While a bachelor's degree remains the most common qualification listed in job postings, many employers also hire candidates who completed accredited coding bootcamps or who demonstrate strong technical ability through project portfolios and open-source contributions. The key is proving you can build and ship working software, regardless of how you learned.
Is IT support a declining career?
The BLS projects a 3% decline in computer support specialist positions from 2024 to 2034. That decline reflects automation of routine tasks and the growth of cloud-managed services, not a wholesale disappearance of the role. Specialists who develop skills in cloud platforms, cybersecurity, or DevOps continue to find strong demand. The generalist help desk technician role is the segment most affected.
How long does it take to become a software developer?
A bachelor's degree in computer science takes four years. Coding bootcamps run 12 to 24 weeks on average. Self-directed learning varies widely, but most self-taught developers report needing 6 to 18 months of consistent, daily study before feeling prepared to apply for jobs. Check current software development programs on Dreambound to find one that fits your timeline.
Which career pays more, IT support or software development?
Software development pays significantly more at every experience level. The BLS median for software developers is $133,080 per year, compared to $61,550 for computer support specialists. At the senior level, software engineers at major technology companies regularly earn over $200,000 in total compensation, while senior IT support specialists typically peak well below that range.
The gap between these two careers reflects a real difference in training investment, job complexity, and market demand. IT support offers a faster and more affordable entry point into the technology industry, with a path that can lead to specialized roles in cloud engineering, cybersecurity, or systems administration over time. Software development requires more upfront education and ongoing skill-building, but it delivers a much higher salary ceiling and stronger growth projections through 2034.
