Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between application software developers and system 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 system software developer. Additionally, a system software developer has an average salary of $108,328, 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 system software developer are python, java, and software development.
| Application Software Developer | System Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,724 | $108,328 |
| Hourly rate | $50.35 | $52.08 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 299,719 | 299,721 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| 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 System Software Developer is an information technology expert who is in charge of developing software and application systems in a company. They are responsible for conducting research and preparing detailed plans according to project requirements and guidelines, establishing test structures, troubleshooting errors, performing upgrades, and creating systems instructions for technical support. They must also assess existing systems to determine their strengths and weaknesses, implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, a System Software Developer works in a team environment, which requires coordination and an active communication line.
Application software developers and system software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Application Software Developer | System Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $104,724 | $108,328 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $136,000 | Between $81,000 And $144,000 |
| Highest paying City | Menlo Park, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Professional |
There are a few differences between an application software developer and a system software developer in terms of educational background:
| Application Software Developer | System Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between application software developers' and system software developers' demographics:
| Application Software Developer | System Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1% | Male, 86.8% Female, 13.2% |
| 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, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |