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The differences between gis developers and lead software developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a gis developer and a lead software developer. Additionally, a lead software developer has an average salary of $115,072, which is higher than the $100,464 average annual salary of a gis developer.
The top three skills for a gis developer include esri, C++ and arcgis server. The most important skills for a lead software developer are java, architecture, and application development.
| GIS Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $100,464 | $115,072 |
| Hourly rate | $48.30 | $55.32 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 82,279 | 309,029 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A GIS developer, also known as a geographic information system developer, specializes in designing and creating applications and software that gathers and features geographic data from different locations. In some industries, a GIS developer may also have the task of analyzing aerial imagery, developing databases and maps, and creating tools to facilitate various programs and projects. Additionally, a GIS developer usually works as a member of a software development team, which requires an open communication line for an efficient workflow.
A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface. They also coordinate with the design engineers to modify and improve the features of existing software applications for optimal performance. A lead software developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in considering the current technology trends to meet demands.
Gis developers and lead software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| GIS Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $100,464 | $115,072 |
| Salary range | Between $71,000 And $140,000 | Between $87,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | California |
| Best paying company | Pacific Gas and Electric | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a gis developer and a lead software developer in terms of educational background:
| GIS Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Geography | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between gis developers' and lead software developers' demographics:
| GIS Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.3% Female, 15.7% | Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |