What Does a C# Developer Do? Career Overview + Outlook

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

C# developers are experts in writing code and building applications in the C# programming language. Learn more about this role, the job outlook, and whether this career path is right for you.

[Featured Image] A C# developer is at her desk developing an application for her company.

C# developers are software developers who work with C# programming language. In this role, you’ll develop applications that run on desktops, back-end processes, and applications on a variety of platforms. If you’re interested in this role, read on to discover their duties and responsibilities, salary potential, and how to become a C# developer. 

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What is C#?

C# (which is pronounced “see sharp”) is an object-orientated programming language used to build applications, usually on the Microsoft .Net framework. It’s a popular language among developers and is used for games, Windows, and mobile applications. 

What is a C# developer?

A C# developer primarily uses the C# language on the .Net framework to develop software applications. Many software developers learn and use C# along with other languages such as C++ and Java.

Is a .Net developer the same as a C# developer?

As C# runs on the .Net framework, the term .Net developers and C# developers are sometimes used interchangeably.  

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Tasks and responsibilities of a C# developer

The tasks and responsibilities of a C# developer vary depending on who you work for and what you’re building. However, you’ll find some standard duties common to all C# developers. These include:

  • Designing and developing new features and applications using C#

  • Debugging and testing applications and code

  • Creating automation and optimizing code

  • Engaging with stakeholders and colleagues

  • Providing technical support where necessary

  • Producing reports on projects and developments

C# developer skills

C# developers are highly skilled in C# as their primary tool. Technical skills represent the practical aspects of your role, while workplace skills contribute to how productive you are in a work environment. The following are some technical and workplace skills essential to the role: 

Technical skills:

  • C#

  • .Net

  • Software design

  • Coding

  • Microsoft SQL

  • Other coding languages

  • Programming languages

  • Common language runtime (CLR)

  • Automated testing

Workplace skills:

  • Analytical thinking

  • Creativity

  • Problem-solving 

  • Communication

  • Time management

  • Attention to detail

Read more: Computer Skills: What They Are and How to Improve Them

Salary and job outlook

Developers are in high demand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software development jobs are set to grow 17 percent between 2023 and 2033. This is well above the national average of 3 percent and equates to an average of 327,900 job openings per year [1]. 

C# is a relevant programming language today, used for game, virtual reality, and application development. According to the latest HackerRank report, 20 percent of hiring managers globally ask for C# as a developer skill [2].

According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for C# .Net developers in the US is $122,872 per year [3]. This figure includes an average base salary of $109,829 and $13,044 in additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, or bonuses.

C# developer career path

C# careers have many opportunities for progression and specialization to increase your earning potential. To start in this field, you don’t specifically need paid experience, but a portfolio is essential. 

You might build this experience through hackathons, coding challenges, joining groups, and building your own online presence. The more knowledge you can show, the better your chance of securing a job. Knowing C# is useful for learning other programming languages, which can lead to additional job opportunities. 

Read more: 7 Tips for Sharpening Software Developer Skills

Education and training 

Generally, to become a C# developer, you need a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer programming, information technology, or similar. However, some entry-level jobs are available without a degree and are an excellent way of gaining relevant experience. Here is a breakdown of the education level for .Net developers, according to Zippia. 

  • Bachelor’s: 77 percent

  • Master’s: 19 percent

  • Associate: 2 percent

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Certifications

In addition to degrees, certifications and online training courses can enhance your resume and prove your credentials in C#. Online courses either complement a degree program or show additional skills.

Some possible certifications and courses to explore include:

  • CompTIA A+ Certification is an entry-level qualification for IT professionals. Topics include operating systems, hardware, software troubleshooting, and more. 

  • Foundational C# with Microsoft offers free learning resources for topics like math, programming, and computer science This program offers 35 hours of training to help build a foundation in C#.  

C# developer career options

Learning C# is a great addition to your skills if you work in programming, game development, software development, or software engineering. It allows you to progress to more senior C# developer positions and also move on to other roles and areas. Learning C# is a great foundation for learning other programming languages such as Java, C, and C++.

Areas you may consider working in with skills in C# include:

Read more: Your Guide to Game Design Degrees

Further career opportunities with C#

As a C# developer, other career options and progression routes, along with the average annual salary for each, include:

*All salary information is sourced from Glassdoor as of February 2025.

Get started with Coursera

C# developer skills are in high demand. Building your experience and studying C# can help you start a career as a C# developer and add to your skill set to help you get ahead in other positions relating to software development and software engineering.

A great starting point is a Guided Project or Professional Certificate on Coursear. Check out Programming in C#: A Comprehensive Approach to C# Fundamentals, which is a short project on the Coursera Project Network. Another option is Introduction to C# Programming and Unity, delivered by the University of Colorado on Coursera. Upon completion of either course, gain a shareable Professional Certificate to include in your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile. 

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Article sources

1

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm#tab-1.” Accessed February 5, 2025.

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