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The differences between software programmers and applications developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a software programmer, becoming an applications developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an applications developer has an average salary of $89,205, which is higher than the $71,612 average annual salary of a software programmer.
The top three skills for a software programmer include java, javascript and software development. The most important skills for an applications developer are java, javascript, and C++.
| Software Programmer | Applications Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $71,612 | $89,205 |
| Hourly rate | $34.43 | $42.89 |
| Growth rate | -7% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 253,235 | 279,877 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 4 |
A software programmer is an information technology expert who specializes in programming software and generating codes, ensuring quality and efficiency. In a company setting, they typically perform research and analysis to understand and identify the projects' needs, develop and implement test structures, troubleshoot and resolve issues, write technical instructions, and provide technical support to staff as needed. Most of the time, a software programmer works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth workflow.
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 programmers and applications developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Software Programmer | Applications Developer | |
| Average salary | $71,612 | $89,205 |
| Salary range | Between $55,000 And $92,000 | Between $67,000 And $118,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Panaya | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a software programmer and an applications developer in terms of educational background:
| Software Programmer | Applications Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between software programmers' and applications developers' demographics:
| Software Programmer | Applications Developer | |
| Average age | 47 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% | Male, 77.0% Female, 23.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 25.2% White, 58.8% 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 | 11% | 8% |