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The differences between managers applications development and directors of software development can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a manager applications development, becoming a director of software development takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a director of software development has an average salary of $158,853, which is higher than the $123,527 average annual salary of a manager applications development.
The top three skills for a manager applications development include application development, java and ongoing maintenance. The most important skills for a director of software development are java, software development, and cloud.
| Manager Applications Development | Director Of Software Development | |
| Yearly salary | $123,527 | $158,853 |
| Hourly rate | $59.39 | $76.37 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 181,768 | 136,310 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 8 |
An applications development manager is responsible for keeping businesses running smoothly and effectively through planning, coordinating, and overseeing all activities related to software applications. You will oversee the maintenance, upgrade, and support of existing applications and systems required for the smooth day-to-day operations of the business. Other tasks that you will likely perform include providing estimates for project timeline and cost, overseeing feasibility research on software applications, and diagnosing and troubleshooting program errors. As an applications development manager, you are also responsible for recommending software products and services that will benefit the company.
A director of software development is primarily in charge of overseeing the workflow and the workforce involved in the entire software development process. Their responsibilities also include creating strategies for optimal performance, coordinating with different teams and departments to identify strengths and weaknesses, implementing training and workshop programs, and liaising with external agencies, including key clients. Furthermore, as a director, it is essential to lead and encourage the team to reach new heights.
Managers applications development and directors of software development have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Manager Applications Development | Director Of Software Development | |
| Average salary | $123,527 | $158,853 |
| Salary range | Between $97,000 And $156,000 | Between $110,000 And $228,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | eBay | |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a manager applications development and a director of software development in terms of educational background:
| Manager Applications Development | Director Of Software Development | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Carnegie Mellon University |
Here are the differences between managers applications development' and directors of software development' demographics:
| Manager Applications Development | Director Of Software Development | |
| Average age | 44 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.4% Female, 19.6% | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 15.1% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |