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The differences between java application 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 java application developer and a software developer. Additionally, a java application developer has an average salary of $92,924, which is higher than the $87,521 average annual salary of a software developer.
The top three skills for a java application developer include java, database and GIT. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Java Application Developer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,924 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $44.67 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 160,151 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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 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.
Java application developers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Java Application Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $92,924 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $72,000 And $119,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Costco Wholesale | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Finance |
There are a few differences between a java application developer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Java Application Developer | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between java application developers' and software developers' demographics:
| Java Application Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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% |