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The differences between android developers and software developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an android developer and a software developer. Additionally, an android developer has an average salary of $98,495, which is higher than the $87,521 average annual salary of a software developer.
The top three skills for an android developer include java, kotlin and UI. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Android Developer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $98,495 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $47.35 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 237,147 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An android developer is responsible for creating digital applications for the Android system market. Android developers design applications depending on their clients' specifications, business needs, or personal use. They analyze the current trends, developing an application that meets the users' demands and public interests. An android developer should have strong knowledge of software systems, computer codes, and programming languages, ensuring the smooth navigation of the application, boosting its optimal performance, and identifying inconsistencies through running multiple diagnostic tests.
A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Android developers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Android Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $98,495 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $128,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | First Republic Bank | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between an android developer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Android Developer | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between android developers' and software developers' demographics:
| Android Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.8% Female, 18.2% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 32.9% White, 49.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |