How to hire an applications programmer

How to hire an applications programmer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step applications programmer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an applications programmer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new applications programmer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an applications programmer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the applications programmer you need to hire. Certain applications programmer roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An applications programmer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, applications programmers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of applications programmers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Applications Programmer	Description	Hourly rate
   Applications Programmer	Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.	$30-53
   Java/J2ee Developer	Java developers are in charge of the design, development, and management of Java-based applications. Whereas, J2EE or Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition developers are responsible for developing web and software enterprise-internet level applications... Show more	$33-56
   Software Developer	A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems... Show more	$32-54

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Java
   • C++
   • Database
   • JavaScript
   • HTML
   • SQL Server
   • Web Application
   • CSS
   • MVC
   • Object Oriented Programming
   • JQuery
   • Windows
   • Linux
   • Web Services

   Check all skills

   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.
   • Create validation logic and change jQuery functions to manipulate and submit form data using AJAX server calls.
   • Used AJAX to populate user interface controls such as drop down list and generate warning messages to enhance overall UI experience.

   More applications programmer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your applications programmer job description helps attract top candidates to the position. An applications programmer salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for an applications programmer in Arkansas may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level applications programmer usually earns less than a senior-level applications programmer. Additionally, an applications programmer with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average applications programmer salary

   $85,133yearly

   $40.93 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level applications programmer salary

   $64,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

   Average applications programmer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$100,884	$49
   2	District of Columbia	$95,243	$46
   3	North Carolina	$95,127	$46
   4	Connecticut	$92,542	$44
   5	Massachusetts	$89,542	$43
   6	New York	$88,232	$42
   7	Delaware	$87,301	$42
   8	Virginia	$87,243	$42
   9	New Jersey	$85,208	$41
   10	Georgia	$82,997	$40
   11	Illinois	$80,420	$39
   12	Minnesota	$79,295	$38
   13	Michigan	$77,809	$37
   14	Arizona	$76,914	$37
   15	Florida	$76,236	$37
   16	Texas	$75,692	$36
   17	Louisiana	$72,838	$35
   18	Kansas	$71,109	$34
   19	Colorado	$69,161	$33
   20	Arkansas	$67,776	$33

   Average applications programmer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Dropbox	$120,549	$57.96	9
   2	Broadcom	$119,175	$57.30	62
   3	Citicorp North America, Inc	$114,205	$54.91
   4	Bloomberg	$112,482	$54.08	147
   5	National Semiconductor	$112,454	$54.06
   6	Spectrum Systems	$111,211	$53.47
   7	Reynolds and Reynolds	$109,039	$52.42	5
   8	Interactive Brokers	$108,957	$52.38	10
   9	Citi	$108,319	$52.08	25
   10	Autodesk	$108,258	$52.05
   11	University of California	$108,220	$52.03	13
   12	ICU Medical	$107,066	$51.47
   13	Amgen	$106,182	$51.05	7
   14	Bank of America	$105,806	$50.87	75
   15	Blue Shield of California	$105,589	$50.76	13
   16	Eisai	$104,576	$50.28
   17	SMSC	$104,385	$50.19
   18	Merrill Lynch	$102,961	$49.50
   19	Booz Allen Hamilton	$102,072	$49.07	165
   20	TEKsystems	$101,221	$48.66	25

4. Writing an applications programmer job description

   A good applications programmer job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an applications programmer job description:

   Applications programmer job description example

   ECS is looking for an Application Programmer III, providing support for major national laboratory in Albuquerque, NM!
   
   As an Application Programmer III, you will be working with the Ground Systems Development team. This team performs research and development on multi-phenomenological waveform monitoring problems to deliver innovative and practical software applications and solutions. We develop operational monitoring software in support of the US and International nuclear monitoring and non-proliferation mission. Our work ranges from basic research & development to fully deployed operational data processing and analysis systems. We specialize in software architecture and development, geophysics, seismology/infrasound, machine learning, analytics, algorithm development and data analysis. We strive to think creatively in our development efforts to advance the state of the art supporting our monitoring mission.
   
   The Geophysical Monitoring System (GMS) project is a large-scale development effort to re-engineer the primary system used by the US National Data Center (US NDC) for the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC). The successful candidate will work from developed requirements, specifications, and architectural design for the new system. We are seeking an outstanding R&D Computer Science professional who wants to be part of the vibrant team that is developing the next generation system in a collaborative, Agile environment. As a member of our team, the selected applicant will enjoy innovating and collaborating in an engaging learning environment to architect, design, develop, test, and deploy advanced software for complex, real-time decision support systems. This position may require occasional travel.
   
   The Application Programmer II will analyze functional business applications and design specifications for functional areas such as finance, accounting, personnel, manpower, logistics, and contracts. Develop block diagrams and logic flow charts. Translate detailed design into computer software. Test, debug, and refine the computer software to produce the required product. Prepare required documentation, including both program-level and user-level documentation. Enhance software to reduce operating time or improve efficiency. Provide technical direction to programmers to ensure program deadlines are met. Experience in information system design, including application programming on large-scale database management systems and the development of complex software to satisfy design objectives.
   DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITES/TASKS INCLUDE:
   Work on an Agile team to develop software systems which solve the most challenging remote sensing problems, including the capture, processing, exploitation, visualization, and distribution of real-time satellite sensor data Work collaboratively with architects, developers, technical leads, customers, and end users to collect requirements, design solutions, and deliver extensible software applications Contribute to deeply rewarding missions through engagement with diverse computer science specialties and specialists in areas such as data fusion, signal and image processing, analytics, cloud computing, machine learning, modeling and simulation, service-oriented architectures, data management and visualization, and pattern recognition Implement algorithms or processing to add new system capabilities Design database elements/API's Required Skills:
   BS Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering plus 8 years' experience Experience in software design, engineering, and development skills, including familiarity with modern software development practices and tools Experience with React/Typescript or Angular Java development in a service-oriented framework Experience with object-oriented software development (e.g., C++, Java, and Python) Software development skills in a Linux based environment Kubernetes & Docker experience Gitlab & Gradle experience Can obtain a DOE Q clearance and obtain a SCI clearance, which may require polygraph testing Desired Skills:
   Active DOE Q Clearance (DOD TS) with SCI Strong interest in an architecture role focused on: Specifying high-level designs for System features, software frameworks & infrastructure, deployment platform, development tooling, etc. Experience with Docker containers, Jenkins continuous integration, and continuous delivery approaches to software development and deployment in cloud-based environments Providing ongoing guidance to development teams Working closely with development teams to iterate on software designs Significant experience as a software developer Technical leadership experience, as a lead developer, technical team lead, architect etc. Experience with distributed system design Proven experience modeling in UML Familiarity with service-based architectures (e.g. SOA, microservices) Familiarity with inter-process communication patterns, techniques and technologies Familiarity with data storage architectures (relational, non-relational - e.g. document, wide-column) Familiarity with fault tolerance concepts and techniques Familiarity with system scaling concepts and techniques Experience with large-scale system design Strong teaming skills ECS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. ECS promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.
   ECS is a leading mid-sized provider of technology services to the United States Federal Government. We are focused on people, values and purpose. Every day, our 3000+ employees focus on providing their technical talent to support the Federal Agencies and Departments of the US Government to serve, protect and defend the American People.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right applications programmer for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with applications programmers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit applications programmers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your applications programmer job on Zippia to find and recruit applications programmer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit applications programmers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   If your interviews with applications programmer applicants aren't enough to make a decision, you should also consider including a test project. These are often the best, most straightforward, and least bias-prone ways of determining who will likely succeed in the role. If you don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new applications programmer

   Once you've selected the best applications programmer candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new applications programmer. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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