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The differences between software developers and front end 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 developer and a front end developer. Additionally, a front end developer has an average salary of $92,147, which is higher than the $87,521 average annual salary of a software developer.
The top three skills for a software developer include java, python and C++. The most important skills for a front end developer are javascript, front-end, and html css.
| Software Developer | Front End Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $87,521 | $92,147 |
| Hourly rate | $42.08 | $44.30 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 13% |
| Number of jobs | 294,329 | 124,876 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 39 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Front-end developers architect and develop applications and websites through web technologies. They are responsible for the implementation of visual elements that every user sees and interacts with on web applications. They are often supported by the back-end web developers who are in charge of server application logic and integration. They must know CSS or HTML. They should be equipped with CSS processing skills, browser developer tools, version control, JavaScript framework, and responsive design skills.
Software developers and front end developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Developer | Front End Developer | |
| Average salary | $87,521 | $92,147 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $113,000 | Between $68,000 And $124,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Lifetime |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a software developer and a front end developer in terms of educational background:
| Software Developer | Front End Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between software developers' and front end developers' demographics:
| Software Developer | Front End Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% | Male, 77.3% Female, 22.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 15.8% White, 58.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |