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What does a contract developer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
What does a contract developer do

Contract Developers develop secure web applications for data collections, quality measurement efforts, and reporting purposes for large-scale performance, wireframes and UI specifications for interactive and static reporting and analysis features, and developing UI to interact with reporting engines. They are involved with system design and technical documentation and responsible for dot net development. In this position, contract developers must excellent in problem-solving, analytical skills and attention to detail, display and manipulate performance metrics, and highly confident dealing with internal and external clients.

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Contract developer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real contract developer resumes:

  • Port existing native UI to use new manage web services layer.
  • Design and develop a website using alpha source code, MySQL and HTML for creating and managing user accounts.
  • Implement a centralize configuration system for managing application settings, consisting of a desktop application with a WCF backend.
  • Support internal team on client projects updating HTML, CSS, JavaScript and PHP as necessary.
  • Utilize HTML5, simple Java-Script and advance CSS3 functionality.
  • Edit XHTML, CSS and XML templates for educational portals.
  • Develop WordPress plugins with PHP for image management/display and Paypal ticket purchases.
  • Used MVC pattern so that front end can be change to ASP.NET easily.
  • Migrate WordPress and MySQL database from development site to host of the customers choosing.
  • Used HTML5 and CSS3 to create beautiful, valid, optimize web pages from design team documents.
  • Integrate both the API and front-end with various third-party API's and web services including PrintNode, EasyPost and Authorize.net.
  • Design and develop a customize web base reporting system including an extensible architecture of API's which dynamically create HTML.
  • Work with a team task to develop and maintenance of the client reference data in MVS using COBOL and DB2.
  • Create python interface objects for scripting.
  • Gain experience working in a Java environment.

Contract developer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 7% of Contract Developers are proficient in C++, JavaScript, and Java. They’re also known for soft skills such as Interpersonal skills, Problem-solving skills, and Detail oriented.

We break down the percentage of Contract Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • C++, 7%

    Developed generic objected-oriented C++ algorithms for fast distributed linear algebra

  • JavaScript, 7%

    Maintained existing applications and designed and delivered new applications using VB.NET, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, SQL Server.

  • Java, 5%

    Created automated data driven java test cases using the BMC automated test framework, JUNIT and Eclipse ABBOT for SWT.

  • Python, 4%

    Designed a product test fixture with Python scripts to test all PCB and final product components.

  • Html Css, 4%

    Created several modules and forms using HTML CSS are performed styling for pages.

  • CSS, 4%

    Developed user friendly HTML and CSS UI's for various online versions of publications such as Inside Business.

"c++," "javascript," and "java" are among the most common skills that contract developers use at work. You can find even more contract developer responsibilities below, including:

Interpersonal skills. The most essential soft skill for a contract developer to carry out their responsibilities is interpersonal skills. This skill is important for the role because "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." Additionally, a contract developer resume shows how their duties depend on interpersonal skills: "mentor and coach entrepreneurs in areas of interpersonal skills, personal finance, business development & leadership. "

Problem-solving skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling contract developer duties is problem-solving skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." According to a contract developer resume, here's how contract developers can utilize problem-solving skills in their job responsibilities: "developed web based asp solution that integrated various multimedia presentations. "

Detail oriented. contract developers are also known for detail oriented, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to contract developer responsibilities, because "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." A contract developer resume example shows how detail oriented is used in the workplace: "project details: converted a data collection/report generation application originally written in classic asp to asp.net. "

Analytical skills. contract developer responsibilities often require "analytical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." This resume example shows what contract developers do with analytical skills on a typical day: "developed a front-end, dashboard using angular to display and interact with data from the api. "

Communication skills. A commonly-found skill in contract developer job descriptions, "communication skills" is essential to what contract developers do. Contract developer responsibilities rely on this skill because "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." You can also see how contract developer duties rely on communication skills in this resume example: "worked with network team to establish communication between as/400 rpgile applications and front end web development applications using html and javascript. "

Creativity. Lastly, "creativity" is an important element of what a contract developer does. Contract developer responsibilities require this skill because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." This resume example highlights how contract developer duties rely on this skill: "created a web based it hardware inventory tracking and reporting tool (asp.net 1.1 c# / sql 2000). "

All contract developer skills

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Compare different contract developers

Contract developer vs. Developer/consultant

A developer/consultant is responsible for developing system databases and applications, depending on the business' needs and clients' specifications. Developers/consultants design their services to manage optimal performance and maximize productivity for timely submission of projects, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty. They also handle clients' inquiries and concerns, informing them about necessary adjustments to improve strategic procedures and processes. A developer/consultant must have excellent communication and analytical skills, as well as extensive experience with the technology industry.

If we compare the average contract developer annual salary with that of a developer/consultant, we find that developer/consultants typically earn a $7,075 higher salary than contract developers make annually.Even though contract developers and developer/consultants are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require c++, javascript, and java in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between contract developers and developer/consultant. For instance, contract developer responsibilities require skills such as "aws," "git," "net core," and "ui." Whereas a developer/consultant is skilled in "project management," "microservices," "data analysis," and "sql server." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Developer/consultants really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $101,340. Comparatively, contract developers tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $103,060.developer/consultants tend to reach higher levels of education than contract developers. In fact, developer/consultants are 7.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.2% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Contract developer vs. Mobile applications developer

A mobile application developer is responsible for designing programming applications for mobile devices according to clients' specifications and business demands. Mobile application developers must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as computer system commands to develop efficient scripts and smooth navigation of operating systems. They analyze the clients' needs and recommend application solutions within their budget limitations and timeframe. A mobile application developer identifies inconsistencies and glitches with the output before submission to ensure its stability and optimal performance.

On average, mobile applications developers earn a $7,824 higher salary than contract developers a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both contract developers and mobile applications developers have skills such as "c++," "javascript," and "java. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, contract developer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "python," "aws," "net core," and "c # .net." Meanwhile, a mobile applications developer has duties that require skills in areas such as "c #," "objective-c," "android studio," and "xcode." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

On average, mobile applications developers earn a higher salary than contract developers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, mobile applications developers earn the most pay in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $107,574. Whereas contract developers have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $103,060.mobile applications developers earn higher levels of education than contract developers in general. They're 9.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for contract developers in the next 3-5 years?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Contract developer vs. Web application developer

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.

On average, web application developers earn lower salaries than contract developers, with a $5,593 difference per year.contract developers and web application developers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "javascript," "java," and "python," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, contract developers are more likely to have skills like "c++," "aws," "net core," and "mvc." But a web application developer is more likely to have skills like "database," "web forms," "html5," and "web application development."

Web application developers earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $88,928. Comparatively, contract developers have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $103,060.web application developers typically earn similar educational levels compared to contract developers. Specifically, they're 1.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Contract developer vs. 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. Both developers utilize the Java programming language, but the first one develops desktop-based applications while the later develop enterprise-related applications. Java developers have many roles and responsibilities, and they vary based on the applications that they develop and design.

Java/j2ee developers typically earn lower pay than contract developers. On average, java/j2ee developers earn a $438 lower salary per year.While their salaries may vary, contract developers and java/j2ee developers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "javascript," "java," and "html css. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A contract developer uses "c++," "python," "aws," and "net core." Java/j2ee developers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "database," "junit," "eclipse," and "j2ee. "In general, java/j2ee developers earn the most working in the finance industry, with an average salary of $100,301. The highest-paying industry for a contract developer is the finance industry.The average resume of java/j2ee developers showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to contract developers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 4.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 1.9%.

Types of contract developer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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