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The differences between gis developers and 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 software developer. Additionally, a gis developer has an average salary of $100,464, which is higher than the $87,521 average annual salary of a software developer.
The top three skills for a gis developer include esri, C++ and arcgis server. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| GIS Developer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $100,464 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $48.30 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 82,279 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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 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. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Gis developers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| GIS Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $100,464 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $71,000 And $140,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | California |
| Best paying company | Pacific Gas and Electric | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Finance |
There are a few differences between a gis developer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| GIS Developer | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Geography | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between gis developers' and software developers' demographics:
| GIS Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.3% Female, 15.7% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |