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The differences between information technology applications developers and software engineers 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 engineer. Additionally, a software engineer has an average salary of $100,260, which is higher than the $95,731 average annual salary of an information technology applications developer.
The top three skills for an information technology applications developer include java, application development and C++. The most important skills for a software engineer are java, python, and software development.
| Information Technology Applications Developer | Software Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $95,731 | $100,260 |
| Hourly rate | $46.02 | $48.20 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 234,643 | 339,938 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 3.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
Information technology applications developers and software engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Information Technology Applications Developer | Software Engineer | |
| Average salary | $95,731 | $100,260 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $125,000 | Between $73,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Palo Alto Networks | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Start-up |
There are a few differences between an information technology applications developer and a software engineer in terms of educational background:
| Information Technology Applications Developer | Software Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 engineers' demographics:
| Information Technology Applications Developer | Software Engineer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.1% Female, 24.9% | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% |
| 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, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 34.0% White, 48.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |