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The differences between information technology applications 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 an information technology applications developer and a software developer. Additionally, an information technology applications developer has an average salary of $95,731, which is higher than the $87,521 average annual salary of a software developer.
The top three skills for an information technology applications developer include java, application development and C++. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Information Technology Applications Developer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,731 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $46.02 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 234,643 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An information technology applications developer is responsible for modifying and developing source code for software applications and debugging code. These applications developed and modified are aimed at supporting customers with computer tasks or programs. They also work closely with customers to develop new software applications and make modifications to existing applications to meet customers' needs. In addition, they also process the needs of users to customize software for computer programs, prototype application design, implement and test source code, and handle software applications troubleshooting.
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.
Information technology applications developers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Applications Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $95,731 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $125,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Palo Alto Networks | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between an information technology applications developer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Applications Developer | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between information technology applications developers' and software developers' demographics:
| Information Technology Applications Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.1% Female, 24.9% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.7% 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% |