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The differences between application software developers and 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 application software developer and a developer. Additionally, an application software developer has an average salary of $104,724, which is higher than the $100,076 average annual salary of a developer.
The top three skills for an application software developer include java, C++ and javascript. The most important skills for a developer are javascript, python, and java.
| Application Software Developer | Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,724 | $100,076 |
| Hourly rate | $50.35 | $48.11 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 299,719 | 262,570 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An application software developer is responsible for creating and designing software systems and applications according to the clients' specifications or business demands. Application software developers operate various system tools and programming codes to customize programs, implement software solutions, modify test codes, and update existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. They perform multiple diagnostic tests before releasing outputs to ensure its stability, smooth navigation, and flawless transitions. An application software developer coordinates with the clients or supervisor for the project updates, following the budget goals and timeframes.
Developers are usually system or application developers in a company who work on specific projects related to networks or applications from conception to implementation. They attend planning sessions to ensure that the program is feasible. They are responsible for designing the system through coding and basic user interface design. They also work on troubleshooting any challenges that may be met at the testing stage of the program's development. They solve challenges and ensure that minimal problems will arise upon publishing the system or application. They also manage the evaluation to ensure that the program's goals are accomplished and that the end-users are satisfied with the results.
Application software developers and developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Application Software Developer | Developer | |
| Average salary | $104,724 | $100,076 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $136,000 | Between $76,000 And $131,000 |
| Highest paying City | Menlo Park, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | - |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between an application software developer and a developer in terms of educational background:
| Application Software Developer | Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between application software developers' and developers' demographics:
| Application Software Developer | Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1% | Male, 74.9% Female, 25.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |