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What is a java programmer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
introduction image

As a java programmer, your primary purpose will be to design, develop, and manage Java-based applications. Java programmers often work closely with web developers and designers to create fully integrated programs and applications for their companies or clients. Java is one of the most popular concurrent, class-based, and object-oriented programming languages. Thus, java programmers are highly sought after individuals around the world. Some of the duties and responsibilities that you will be performing in this capacity are designing, implementing, and maintaining Java applications, delivering high availability and performance, contributing to all phases of the development cycle, ensuring the designs comply with company or client specifications and transforming requirements into stipulations.

Essential skills required to successfully complete these tasks are communication, creativity, technical, attention to detail, analytical, and interpersonal. To qualify for this role, you will need a bachelor's degree in computer science, or a related field, although a master's degree will be given preference over others. Moreover, what is essential is prior work experience in a similar role and an exceptional grasp of the Java program. If qualified for the position, your average hourly pay would amount to $35.16, which equates to $73,139 annually. The career is expected to grow in the near future.

What general advice would you give to a java programmer?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

The market is stable for software developers, despite the economic challenges created by the pandemic. Before accepting a job offer, talk to the company's employees through online meetings or email, and see what they think of the company. Do they enjoy their work? Are there opportunities to learn new technologies? How does the company treat their employees? There's a good chance you will be working remotely in your first job, so you will need to exercise a lot of self-discipline, be punctual for online meetings, do the work you've been assigned, and know when to ask questions when you get stuck. Expect a steeper-than-normal learning curve if you are working remotely instead of in an office.
ScoreJava ProgrammerUS Average
Salary
6.3

Avg. Salary $80,328

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.2

Growth rate 13%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
1.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.42%

Asian 15.79%

Black or African American 6.40%

Hispanic or Latino 11.94%

Unknown 6.50%

White 58.95%

Gender

female 26.75%

male 73.25%

Age - 36
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 36
Stress level
5.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Java programmer career paths

Key steps to become a java programmer

  1. Explore java programmer education requirements

    Most common java programmer degrees

    Bachelor's

    71.2 %

    Master's

    23.3 %

    Associate

    3.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific java programmer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Java14.20%
    Web Application5.13%
    HTML4.89%
    JSP3.55%
    XML3.42%
  3. Complete relevant java programmer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New java programmers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a java programmer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real java programmer resumes.
  4. Research java programmer duties and responsibilities

    • Gain working knowledge of Java and J2EE relate technologies through practical application of academic knowledge on company develop managed services applications.
    • Implement the front end using JSP, JSTL, CSS and JavaScript, also used JQUERY for dynamic web content.
    • Design and develop UI using HTML, JSP where users have all the items list for auctions.
    • Maintain software version control through use of SVN software and integrate eclipse tools.
  5. Prepare your java programmer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your java programmer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a java programmer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable java programmer resume templates

    Build a professional java programmer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your java programmer resume.
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  6. Apply for java programmer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a java programmer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first java programmer job

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Average java programmer salary

The average java programmer salary in the United States is $80,328 per year or $39 per hour. Java programmer salaries range between $62,000 and $102,000 per year.

Average java programmer salary
$80,328 Yearly
$38.62 hourly

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Java programmer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2023
Pros

Problem solving and cutting edge technology - always learning and evolving my skill set

Cons

Still have to deal with people :)


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I enjoyed working on creative problems that dealt with the user interface

Cons

I didn't like how technical it could become


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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Pros

Designing a new system or making changes to an old one.

Cons

Compensation. Pay and Benefits do not match the time spent on a project. Alabama is the Worst state to live in for SOFTWARE ENGINEER Salaries. 40 to 50 percent less than our peer States.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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