Career Definition for a Perl Developer
Perl developers write code and develop applications using the Perl programming language. Perl is most commonly used in common gateway interface (CGI) applications, graphical user interface (GUI) development, systems administration, database development, and network programming. Perl developers may be responsible for designing, developing, debugging, testing, and maintaining software applications; they are also responsible for collecting and processing data; developing, manipulating, and converting databases; and providing technical support and recommendations to clients.
| Education | Perl programming experience; some jobs may require a bachelor's degree |
| Job Skills | Perl programming, Linux or UNIX and shell scripting; familiarity with other web development languages |
| Median Salary | $120,730 (application software developers) |
| Job Growth | 26% (for the field of software development overall) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
Some employers require potential hires to hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, but most employers only require Perl programming experience. Required courses for Perl developers may include computer systems, algorithms, data structures, machine architecture, software engineering, linear algebra, and discrete math. Because Perl is a dynamic programming language that differs fundamentally from languages such as C/C++ and Java, some employers may be hesitant to hire experienced C/C++ or Java programmers with little or no experience with Perl although others are willing to retrain. Thus, familiarity and experience with Perl is ideal although general programming experience may be sufficient.
Skills Required
Aside from being able to program in Perl, a successful Perl developer should also be comfortable with Linux or UNIX operating systems and shell scripting. Familiarity with other web development languages, such as PHP, Python, and Ruby on Rails, can be also helpful. If one intends to work on database development, the ability to code in SQL and a working knowledge of databases, such as Oracle and MySQL, are also required.
Career and Economic Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software developers are expected to have a positive job outlook from 2021-2031, with employment growth projected to be 26% overall (www.bls.gov). The BLS published the median annual salary of all software developers, including those who specialize in Perl, as $120,730 in May 2021.
Alternate Career Options
The following are some other careers in computer programming and development:
Web Developer
A web developer designs and implements the look and technical capabilities of a website for an employer or client. Web developers frequently work with others to determine the scope and content of the site as well as the graphics. They also troubleshoot necessary applications like shopping cart systems so that all components of the site work well together. Web developers are usually required to have at least a high school diploma, although possession of an associate's degree is a common requirement. Jobs in this field are expected to increase 30% from 2021-2031, per the BLS, and median pay for web developers was $77,030 in 2021.
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers use their understanding and fluency in computer programming languages to convert software developers' plans into workable computer programs that behave as expected. Employment typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, although it's possible to get a job with an associate's degree. Computer programmers can also earn industry certifications. According to the BLS, the number of computer programming jobs is estimated to decrease by 10% from 2021-2031. Computer programmers earned median pay of $77,030 in 2021, per the BLS.
