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The differences between software developers and web application 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 web application developer. Additionally, a software developer has an average salary of $87,521, which is higher than the $85,840 average annual salary of a web application developer.
The top three skills for a software developer include java, python and C++. The most important skills for a web application developer are javascript, web application, and CSS.
| Software Developer | Web Application Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $87,521 | $85,840 |
| Hourly rate | $42.08 | $41.27 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 13% |
| Number of jobs | 294,329 | 229,802 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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.
A web application developer is responsible for designing website and system applications following clients' specifications and business' needs. Web application developers utilize their expertise in programming languages and system codes, ensuring the efficiency and smooth navigation of the website. They also run multiple diagnostic tests on the output before release, identifying inconsistencies, and addressing incompatibilities on browsers and devices. A web application developer should be detail-oriented and highly-technical as this job requires excellent digital knowledge to manage complex systems.
Software developers and web application developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Developer | Web Application Developer | |
| Average salary | $87,521 | $85,840 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $113,000 | Between $66,000 And $110,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Fairfield, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | The Citadel | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Finance |
There are a few differences between a software developer and a web application developer in terms of educational background:
| Software Developer | Web Application Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | 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 developers' and web application developers' demographics:
| Software Developer | Web Application Developer | |
| Average age | 39 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% | Male, 80.9% Female, 19.1% |
| 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, 6.5% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 16.1% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |