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The differences between java application developers and lead 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 java application developer and a lead developer. Additionally, a lead developer has an average salary of $116,340, which is higher than the $92,924 average annual salary of a java application developer.
The top three skills for a java application developer include java, database and GIT. The most important skills for a lead developer are java, javascript, and architecture.
| Java Application Developer | Lead Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,924 | $116,340 |
| Hourly rate | $44.67 | $55.93 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 160,151 | 274,208 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A Java application developer specializes in designing and developing Java applications and software. Their responsibilities typically involve understanding the vision and mission of a project, analyzing the application or software requirements, developing test structures, troubleshooting issues, and performing maintenance checks, resolving issues when one arises. They may also gather and analyze existing applications and software data, recommending solutions to improve vulnerable areas. Furthermore, as a Java application developer, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with team members for an efficient workflow.
A lead developer is responsible for creating software programs and applications, following the client and the business's software quality standards and design specifications. Lead developers assist a team of developers in implementing strategic procedures, managing system codes, debugging applications, running diagnostic tests, and troubleshooting defects to ensure its smooth performance. They also respond to clients' inquiries and concerns, performing feature adjustments as needed. A lead developer must have strong knowledge of the technology industry and command on programming languages and software design processes.
Java application developers and lead developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Java Application Developer | Lead Developer | |
| Average salary | $92,924 | $116,340 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $119,000 | Between $83,000 And $161,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Costco Wholesale | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Retail |
There are a few differences between a java application developer and a lead developer in terms of educational background:
| Java Application Developer | Lead Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between java application developers' and lead developers' demographics:
| Java Application Developer | Lead Developer | |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% | Male, 76.4% Female, 23.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 16.1% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 9% | 8% |