A new study of developers in the US shows that far from being nerdy and misunderstood underlings in business organizations, developers are emerging as a new power class.

The report, which also concludes that software developers are overwhelmingly more satisfied with their jobs than non-developer peers comes from Seattle-based code automation company Chef.

Conducted in March 2014, with a sample size of 1000 developers it was motivated by the news, also reported by I Programmer, that Software Developer was ranked best job for 2014 by US News.

The survey's findings dispelled the idea that developers are constantly searching for the next great career move, concluding instead, with the average developer planning to stay at his or her current company for nine years, that:

Developers are invested and committed to their companies and see longevity in their current roles.

The survey's main findings are summarized in this infographic:

(click in infographic to enlarge)

With regard to job prospects and salary, Chef reports that more than two-thirds (69 percent) of developers describe their profession as “recession-proof”; that 66 percent expect to get a raise in the next 12 months; and 56 percent believe they will become a millionaire at some point. They also perceive the value of their skillset - compared to five years ago, 86 percent of developers feel their skills are now more valuable.

The main message of Chef's report is that developers see themselves as playing a pivotal role at work and in society at large.

• Seventy-one percent of developers participated in political and civic activities in the last 12 months.
  
  
• Ninety-four percent expect to be a revolutionary influence in major segments of the economy during the next five years.
  
  
• Ninety-five percent of developers feel they are one of the most valued employees at their company and 89 percent say their company’s leadership see them as essential.

To quote the report's Executive Summary:

Traditionally considered a disenfranchised group that was under-appreciated and not well understood in business, this class is now recognized as the source of ideas and innovation. They’re empowered by employers, connected to government, well aware of their value in society and extremely optimistic about their future.

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