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The differences between lead application developers and lead 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 lead application developer and a lead software developer. Additionally, a lead application developer has an average salary of $115,737, which is higher than the $115,072 average annual salary of a lead software developer.
The top three skills for a lead application developer include java, C++ and application development. The most important skills for a lead software developer are java, architecture, and application development.
| Lead Application Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $115,737 | $115,072 |
| Hourly rate | $55.64 | $55.32 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 295,279 | 309,029 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A lead application developer specializes in spearheading the efforts in application and software development procedures. Typically, their responsibilities include setting goals and objectives, managing budgets and schedules, developing test and assessment structures, utilizing consumer feedback, and monitoring all processes, producing progress reports as needed. They must also address issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as the lead application developer, they must coordinate and encourage the application development team to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface. They also coordinate with the design engineers to modify and improve the features of existing software applications for optimal performance. A lead software developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in considering the current technology trends to meet demands.
Lead application developers and lead software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Application Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $115,737 | $115,072 |
| Salary range | Between $90,000 And $147,000 | Between $87,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Starbucks | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a lead application developer and a lead software developer in terms of educational background:
| Lead Application Developer | Lead Software 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 | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between lead application developers' and lead software developers' demographics:
| Lead Application Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% | Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |