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The differences between software applications engineers and applications 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 software applications engineer and an applications developer. Additionally, a software applications engineer has an average salary of $104,885, which is higher than the $89,205 average annual salary of an applications developer.
The top three skills for a software applications engineer include java, python and software development. The most important skills for an applications developer are java, javascript, and C++.
| Software Applications Engineer | Applications Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $104,885 | $89,205 |
| Hourly rate | $50.43 | $42.89 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 325,329 | 279,877 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A software application engineer specializes in designing and developing software, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around meeting with clients to discuss their needs and preferences, coordinating with different engineers and specialists, installing and repairing systems, devising tests and execution structures, and conducting maintenance checks to ensure optimal performance. They may also improve existing software and provide customers with regular technical support. Furthermore, in a company setting, a software application engineer may have the task of producing progress reports, maintaining databases, and devising training programs for employees.
An application developer is responsible for creating program applications for devices based on clients' specifications and business needs. Application developers must have excellent knowledge of computer systems, as well as a strong command of programming languages to develop customized programs. Duties of an application developer also include running diagnostic tests to ensure the application's performance and stability, providing instruction manuals for reference, performing troubleshooting for any inconsistencies, upgrading design codes for optimization, and launching the application following the client's timetable.
Software applications engineers and applications developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Applications Engineer | Applications Developer | |
| Average salary | $104,885 | $89,205 |
| Salary range | Between $77,000 And $141,000 | Between $67,000 And $118,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a software applications engineer and an applications developer in terms of educational background:
| Software Applications Engineer | Applications Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between software applications engineers' and applications developers' demographics:
| Software Applications Engineer | Applications Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.8% Female, 20.2% | Male, 77.0% Female, 23.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |