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The differences between application software developers and lead 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 application software developer and a lead software developer. Additionally, a lead software developer has an average salary of $115,072, which is higher than the $104,724 average annual salary of an application software developer.
The top three skills for an application software developer include java, C++ and javascript. The most important skills for a lead software developer are java, architecture, and application development.
| Application Software Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,724 | $115,072 |
| Hourly rate | $50.35 | $55.32 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 299,719 | 309,029 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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.
A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface. They also coordinate with the design engineers to modify and improve the features of existing software applications for optimal performance. A lead software developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in considering the current technology trends to meet demands.
Application software developers and lead software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Application Software Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $104,724 | $115,072 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $136,000 | Between $87,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | Menlo Park, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an application software developer and a lead software developer in terms of educational background:
| Application Software Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between application software developers' and lead software developers' demographics:
| Application Software Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1% | Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |