Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between application software developers and web application 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 web application developer. Additionally, an application software developer has an average salary of $104,724, which is higher than the $85,840 average annual salary of a web application developer.
The top three skills for an application software developer include java, C++ and javascript. The most important skills for a web application developer are javascript, web application, and CSS.
| Application Software Developer | Web Application Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,724 | $85,840 |
| Hourly rate | $50.35 | $41.27 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 13% |
| Number of jobs | 299,719 | 229,802 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 37 |
| 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 web application developer is responsible for designing website and system applications following clients' specifications and business' needs. Web application developers utilize their expertise in programming languages and system codes, ensuring the efficiency and smooth navigation of the website. They also run multiple diagnostic tests on the output before release, identifying inconsistencies, and addressing incompatibilities on browsers and devices. A web application developer should be detail-oriented and highly-technical as this job requires excellent digital knowledge to manage complex systems.
Application software developers and web application developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Application Software Developer | Web Application Developer | |
| Average salary | $104,724 | $85,840 |
| Salary range | Between $80,000 And $136,000 | Between $66,000 And $110,000 |
| Highest paying City | Menlo Park, CA | Fairfield, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Finance |
There are a few differences between an application software developer and a web application developer in terms of educational background:
| Application Software Developer | Web Application 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 web application developers' demographics:
| Application Software Developer | Web Application Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1% | Male, 80.9% Female, 19.1% |
| 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, 6.5% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 16.1% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |