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The differences between java 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 developer and a lead developer. Additionally, a lead developer has an average salary of $116,340, which is higher than the $88,475 average annual salary of a java developer.
The top three skills for a java developer include java, spring boot and database. The most important skills for a lead developer are java, javascript, and architecture.
| Java Developer | Lead Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $88,475 | $116,340 |
| Hourly rate | $42.54 | $55.93 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 147,521 | 274,208 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A Java developer is responsible for developing Java-based applications, including its strong efficiency and smooth operations for the clients and business' use. Java developers implement application designs, diagnosing ineffective processes, and conducting troubleshooting. A Java developer must ensure the stability of the application before launch to provide the best user experience. Software developers must have an excellent command of programming languages, software analysis, system codes, and other technical specifications. A software developer maintains a record of the processes and issues resolutions for reference and improvement opportunities.
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 developers and lead developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Java Developer | Lead Developer | |
| Average salary | $88,475 | $116,340 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $114,000 | Between $83,000 And $161,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sunnyvale, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Retail |
There are a few differences between a java developer and a lead developer in terms of educational background:
| Java Developer | Lead Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | 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 developers' and lead developers' demographics:
| Java Developer | Lead Developer | |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.6% Female, 27.4% | Male, 76.4% Female, 23.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 15.7% White, 59.1% 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% |