I’m trying to evaluate career options in computer software prepackaged software but can’t find updated information on job availability in this field. Could anyone provide insights or resources that show the number of jobs currently available in this sector? I appreciate any help!
Not to be a downer, but the whole ‘how many jobs are there in prepackaged computer software?’ question is kind of a tricky one. Like, defining ‘prepackaged computer software’ itself is kinda vague. Are we talking companies like Microsoft pumping out Office or Adobe with Photoshop? Or smaller developers doing shrink-wrapped software–if that’s even a thing anymore in this cloud/download world?
Anyway, from what I’ve seen, software dev and related fields as a whole are BOOMING. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software development jobs are projected to grow 25% from 2021 to 2031—significantly faster than most sectors. But these reports don’t precisely break down ‘prepackaged software,’ so you’re kinda left guessing. If we’re generous and assume a big chunk of these jobs fits under ‘prepackaged software,’ that still means developers, testers, product managers, technical writers, UI/UX designers, and even roles tied to deployment and licensing need to be filled.
Now, if you’re hunting for jobs, maybe don’t get too hung up on just prepackaged software since it’s all blurred now with SaaS, PaaS, and all the cloudified ways companies deliver programs. Bottom line, if you’ve got the skills in coding, designing, or even managing projects, you’ll probs be okay jumping into whatever niche fits your vibe. Wanna develop apps? Work on enterprise software? Develop AI tools? Take your pick because this industry’s floating on endless possibilities. 
Honestly, thinking about “prepackaged computer software” as a career category is kind of outdated. Like @sognonotturno said, the lines are super blurred now with SaaS, cloud platforms, and subscription-based models running the show. If you’re still imagining rows of shrink-wrapped software boxes at Best Buy, that’s ancient history (RIP 90s nostalgia).
But let’s break it down—if you’re asking how many job types are in the field, the possibilities are massive. Developers? Needed. Testers? Needed. UI/UX designers? Big demand. Product managers? Throw them on the pile. Even industry-specific roles like software licensing experts, customer success managers, or DevOps gurus play into this. Every chunk of the software life cycle has people hiring left and right.
The thing is, tracking “just” prepackaged software jobs is hard, if not impossible, because, like, nobody talks in those terms anymore. Even Microsoft and Adobe have moved to subscription models, so most of these jobs bleed into SaaS, PaaS, or whatever-aaS acronym you want to pick for the week.
If you’re tech-savvy and looking to lock in career options, don’t stress so much about limiting yourself to this one category. The software dev field in its entirety is one of the hottest out there, period. Learn coding, understand Agile/Scrum, dive into AI or cybersecurity if you’re feeling adventurous, and you’ll set yourself up for plenty of opportunities. Prepackaged or not, the demand is real.