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What is an applications programmer and how to become one
Applications Programmers write code for software used in electronic devices and computers. Programmers also test and evaluate applications and work to improve the application to make them user-friendly. Application programmers are also tasked with interacting with the customer to discover requirements, prepare software and training manuals, and train users.
An Application programmer's first duty is to find out project requirements at meetings with managers, clients, and analysts. You will then take this information and confirm the input and output information to create the software for your project. Once you have written the code, you will need to test the application to ensure it runs smoothly. You will fix any glitches by modifying the code. Once an application is perfected, you need to write a user manual explaining the application. You will need a degree, bachelor's preferred, in computer science or another IT application. You will also need excellent programming skills and software development fundaments. You need to be familiar with software and programming languages like Java and have algorithmic knowledge.
Applications programmers need to have good communication skills and be a team player. With all this education and experience behind you, you can make about $96,000 annually as a starting salary.
What general advice would you give to an applications programmer?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
Avg. Salary $85,133
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate -7%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.18%
Asian 16.35%
Black or African American 4.89%
Hispanic or Latino 8.63%
Unknown 4.67%
White 65.29%
Genderfemale 25.44%
male 74.56%
Age - 48American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 48Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Applications programmer career paths
Key steps to become an applications programmer
Explore applications programmer education requirements
Start to develop specific applications programmer skills
Skills Percentages Java 9.02% C++ 8.05% Database 7.20% JavaScript 7.12% HTML 4.37% Complete relevant applications programmer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New applications programmers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an applications programmer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real applications programmer resumes.Research applications programmer duties and responsibilities
- Document all programming work accomplish and develop initial testing for debugging purposes.
- Develop different VBA macro tools to automate reporting and assure information accuracy, overlapping avoidance and management control.
- Transform the server from UNIX system to Linux system.
- Use XSL, HTML and CSS coding to present information from XML generate files to users.
Prepare your applications programmer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your applications programmer resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an applications programmer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable applications programmer resume templates
Build a professional applications programmer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your applications programmer resume.
Apply for applications programmer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an applications programmer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first applications programmer job
Are you an applications programmer?
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Average applications programmer salary
The average applications programmer salary in the United States is $85,133 per year or $41 per hour. Applications programmer salaries range between $64,000 and $112,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do applications programmers rate their job?
Applications programmer reviews
Problem solving and cutting edge technology - always learning and evolving my skill set
Still have to deal with people :)
I enjoyed working on creative problems that dealt with the user interface
I didn't like how technical it could become
Designing a new system or making changes to an old one.
Compensation. Pay and Benefits do not match the time spent on a project. Alabama is the Worst state to live in for SOFTWARE ENGINEER Salaries. 40 to 50 percent less than our peer States.
Updated January 8, 2025
