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What is a java software developer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted experts
Frank McCown Ph.D.,
Kevin Treu Ph.D.

As a Java Software Developer, you are responsible for the development, design, and management of Java-based applications. Java is used worldwide and especially by large organizations. Each role as a Java Developer changes, but it involves working on one application or many at one time. To become a Java Software Developer, you need to have a degree in computer science or an application that utilizes computers. You can also go to coding boot camps and learn Java in about six months.

Note you are a specialist programmer who uses knowledge to test and develop software by using the Java programming language to create, adapt, monitor, and repair software across many platforms. You will work with designers and software engineers to fully integrate Java programs. A good Java Software Developer can make an average base salary of $103,000 per year.

What general advice would you give to a java software developer?

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 Software DeveloperUS Average
Salary
7.6

Avg. Salary $98,030

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.0

Growth rate 21%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 29.81%

Black or African American 4.59%

Hispanic or Latino 8.35%

Unknown 4.84%

White 52.25%

Gender

female 19.17%

male 80.83%

Age - 38
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 - 38
Stress level
4.0

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Java software developer career paths

Key steps to become a java software developer

  1. Explore java software developer education requirements

    Most common java software developer degrees

    Bachelor's

    73.7 %

    Master's

    21.1 %

    Associate

    2.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific java software developer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Java22.14%
    Spring Boot5.09%
    GIT3.45%
    Object Oriented Programming3.19%
    Database3.16%
  3. Complete relevant java software developer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New java software developers 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 software developer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real java software developer resumes.
  4. Research java software developer duties and responsibilities

    • Perform debugging, unit testing, and manage continuous integration.
    • Facilitate XelerisTM imaging suite expansion by managing it's API and handling professional communications with software companies developing 3rd party applications.
    • Used JSON for data exchange between application modules along with XML.
    • Work on HTML and JavaScript with integration of UI for developing grids, charts and schedulers.
  5. Prepare your java software developer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your java software developer 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 software developer 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 software developer resume templates

    Build a professional java software developer 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 software developer resume.
    Java Software Developer Resume
    Java Software Developer Resume
    Java Software Developer Resume
    Java Software Developer Resume
    Java Software Developer Resume
    Java Software Developer Resume
    Java Software Developer Resume
    Java Software Developer Resume
    Java Software Developer Resume
  6. Apply for java software developer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a java software developer 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 software developer job

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Average java software developer salary

The average java software developer salary in the United States is $98,030 per year or $47 per hour. Java software developer salaries range between $75,000 and $126,000 per year.

Average java software developer salary
$98,030 Yearly
$47.13 hourly

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How do java software developers rate their job?

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Java software developer 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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