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Application software developer vs web developer

The differences between application software developers and web 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 developer. Additionally, an application software developer has an average salary of $104,724, which is higher than the $78,975 average annual salary of a web developer.

The top three skills for an application software developer include java, C++ and javascript. The most important skills for a web developer are javascript, html css, and HTML.

Application software developer vs web developer overview

Application Software DeveloperWeb Developer
Yearly salary$104,724$78,975
Hourly rate$50.35$37.97
Growth rate21%13%
Number of jobs299,719227,881
Job satisfaction-3
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age3937
Years of experience44

What does an application software developer do?

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.

What does a web developer do?

A web developer is responsible for designing and maintaining a website to attract customers and direct web traffic. Web developers' duty also includes analyzing software and database to develop new applications. A web developer must have extensive knowledge of programming languages and technology solutions to provide the best web design services for the clients, following their specifications, and submitting projects on or before the deadline. Web developers should have excellent time-management and decision-making skills to do tasks efficiently and accurately.

Application software developer vs web developer salary

Application software developers and web developers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Application Software DeveloperWeb Developer
Average salary$104,724$78,975
Salary rangeBetween $80,000 And $136,000Between $60,000 And $103,000
Highest paying CityMenlo Park, CABothell, WA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaWashington
Best paying companyThe CitadelGoogle
Best paying industryProfessionalProfessional

Differences between application software developer and web developer education

There are a few differences between an application software developer and a web developer in terms of educational background:

Application Software DeveloperWeb Developer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Application software developer vs web developer demographics

Here are the differences between application software developers' and web developers' demographics:

Application Software DeveloperWeb Developer
Average age3937
Gender ratioMale, 75.9% Female, 24.1%Male, 78.2% Female, 21.8%
Race ratioBlack 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, 6.4% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 15.9% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%9%

Differences between application software developer and web developer duties and responsibilities

Application software developer example responsibilities.

  • Manage and complete multiple concurrent ERP software implementation projects.
  • Focus on rich interface applications (RIA) using JavaScript and Google API's.
  • Create batches, process EFT, ACH and lockbox payments to patient's accounts.
  • Used HTML, and CSS to create static web pages for the directory system solution.
  • Research and process return checks and ACH debits.
  • Follow strict SDLC guidelines and software development methodologies and change control procedures.
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Web developer example responsibilities.

  • Lead front-end design and creation.
  • Manage high transaction databases including all database objects, triggers, procedures, user rights and functions.
  • Manage social media including Facebook advertising.
  • Interact with java controllers (JQUERY, AJAX, and JSON to write/read data from back end systems).
  • Used JSP, HTML, CSS and JavaScript to render the dynamic web pages (presentation layer) for the application.
  • Re-Design, update and maintain LinkWorth's WordPress plug-in using PHP and XML files to import data from LinkWorth's servers.
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Application software developer vs web developer skills

Common application software developer skills
  • Java, 20%
  • C++, 6%
  • JavaScript, 5%
  • Python, 4%
  • Object Oriented Programming, 4%
  • Application Development, 4%
Common web developer skills
  • JavaScript, 8%
  • Html Css, 6%
  • HTML, 5%
  • CSS, 5%
  • Web Forms, 4%
  • JQuery, 4%

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