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What does a systems developer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Perry Kivolowitz
What does a systems developer do

A Systems Developer is responsible for designing and creating software applications and server programs to support business requirements and client specifications. System Developers run multiple diagnostic tests to the systems to ensure performance and stability and revise scripts for optimization as needed. They also evaluate and improve existing networks, develop infrastructure, and set configuration. A Systems Developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes to identify network structures and operating systems.

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Systems developer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real systems developer resumes:

  • Lead adoption of SSRS as a reporting platform.
  • Manage numerous data migrations, application migrations, and API development efforts.
  • Develop a client/server database system using PHP, MySQL for managing ISP user accounts.
  • Develop performance AJAX applications to achieve cross browser functionality.
  • Create a completely automate and fully manage desktop management solution.
  • Implement Ajax call using jQuery to transfer JSON data between server side and front end.
  • Create 15 UI screens, using 32 classes and 4 CSS style sheets base on provide wireframe specifications.
  • Design and develop a new client website using HTML, CSS and AngularJs to organize and manipulate logistic data.
  • Develop with JAVA, SQL, and HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript for front end and back end system development.
  • Lead maintenance and support of in-house fulfillment enterprise system - updating web services, windows services, web and mobile applications.
  • Used JSON format to get the data from the server in AJAX calls.
  • Utilize WPF to provide a rich UI experience.
  • Experience in creating high performance web page applications using MVC architecture.
  • Support batch and online systems utilizing both DB2 and IMS databases.
  • Follow well laid MVC coding guidelines to transform the existing application for better performance.

Systems developer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 12% of Systems Developers are proficient in Java, Python, and C++. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.

We break down the percentage of Systems Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Java, 12%

    Implemented Validation using Validation Server Controls and also implemented custom client side validations using Java script.

  • Python, 8%

    Converted XSD DDL into yang and produced python code to emit C code.

  • C++, 8%

    Designed and developed new intelligence analyst applications using C++ on LINUX-based platforms.

  • JavaScript, 4%

    Designed a relational database from scratch, built a visual data report writer using JavaScript, implemented user level access security.

  • SQL Server, 4%

    Lead developer in SQL Server databases implementations for customized solutions.

  • Linux, 3%

    Developed and maintained a company directory hosted on a remote Linux server.

Most systems developers use their skills in "java," "python," and "c++" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential systems developer responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a systems developer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what systems developers do because "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." Additionally, a systems developer resume shows how systems developers use analytical skills: "developed java database provisioning applications for the timesten and mysql databases. "

Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling systems developer duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand." According to a systems developer resume, here's how systems developers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "developed sharepoint database to improve the collaboration amongst personnel and accountability of communication assets. "

Creativity. systems developers are also known for creativity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to systems developer responsibilities, because "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important." A systems developer resume example shows how creativity is used in the workplace: "create a windows application with wpf framework 4.5 to show spots inventory consuming wcf web services. "

Most common systems developer skills

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Compare different systems developers

Systems developer vs. Developer/consultant

A developer/consultant is responsible for developing system databases and applications, depending on the business' needs and clients' specifications. Developers/consultants design their services to manage optimal performance and maximize productivity for timely submission of projects, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty. They also handle clients' inquiries and concerns, informing them about necessary adjustments to improve strategic procedures and processes. A developer/consultant must have excellent communication and analytical skills, as well as extensive experience with the technology industry.

We looked at the average systems developer salary and compared it with the wages of a developer/consultant. Generally speaking, developer/consultants are paid $1,278 higher than systems developers per year.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between systems developers and developer/consultants are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like java, python, and c++.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a systems developer are more likely to require skills like "troubleshoot," "data warehouse," "sdlc," and "development life." On the other hand, a job as a developer/consultant requires skills like "microservices," "business development," "data analysis," and "customer service." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Developer/consultants really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $101,340. Comparatively, systems developers tend to make the most money in the hospitality industry with an average salary of $106,498.The education levels that developer/consultants earn slightly differ from systems developers. In particular, developer/consultants are 5.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a systems developer. Additionally, they're 1.8% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Systems developer vs. Mobile applications developer

A mobile application developer is responsible for designing programming applications for mobile devices according to clients' specifications and business demands. Mobile application developers must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as computer system commands to develop efficient scripts and smooth navigation of operating systems. They analyze the clients' needs and recommend application solutions within their budget limitations and timeframe. A mobile application developer identifies inconsistencies and glitches with the output before submission to ensure its stability and optimal performance.

On average, mobile applications developers earn a $2,027 higher salary than systems developers a year.A few skills overlap for systems developers and mobile applications developers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "java," "c++," and "javascript. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real systems developer resumes. While systems developer responsibilities can utilize skills like "python," "sql server," "troubleshoot," and "project management," mobile applications developers use skills like "c #," "react native," "git," and "objective-c."

Mobile applications developers may earn a higher salary than systems developers, but mobile applications developers earn the most pay in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $107,574. On the other hand, systems developers receive higher pay in the hospitality industry, where they earn an average salary of $106,498.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Mobile applications developers tend to reach higher levels of education than systems developers. In fact, they're 7.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for systems developers in the next 3-5 years?

Perry KivolowitzPerry Kivolowitz LinkedIn profile

Chair, Computer Science Department; Professor of Practice in Computer Science, Carthage College

While some technologies continually come to the fore, including new technologies invented all-together, CS is a field that enjoys continuous utility and opportunity for existing technologies. Witness the demand for COBOL programmers, for example. Infrastructure, once built and paid for, goes away slowly. One trend that I predict will see an increase is Game Development, but not for games. The same learning necessary to portray an Orc swinging a Two-Handed Sword will prepare one for representing surgery simulations. Training and simulation will be growth fields.

Systems developer vs. Web application developer

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.

An average web application developer eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of systems developers. The difference in salaries amounts to web application developers earning a $11,390 lower average salary than systems developers.By looking over several systems developers and web application developers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "java," "python," and "javascript." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, systems developers are more likely to have skills like "c++," "sql server," "troubleshoot," and "project management." But a web application developer is more likely to have skills like "database," "git," "web forms," and "html5."

Web application developers make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $88,928. On the other hand, systems developers are paid the highest salary in the hospitality industry, with average annual pay of $106,498.Most web application developers achieve a similar degree level compared to systems developers. For example, they're 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Systems developer vs. Developer analyst

A developer analyst is an individual who is responsible for building application requirements and develops database solutions that allow operational efficiency and user-friendly tools. Developer analysts are required to develop a detailed definition of business solutions that can include database design, data flow, and transaction processing requirements. They work with other teams to design and implement a web application that manages internal processes and can result in increased productivity. Developer analysts are also required to perform integration tests for various vendors for services that are according to business requirements and testing processes.

Developer analysts typically earn lower pay than systems developers. On average, developer analysts earn a $11,951 lower salary per year.While their salaries may vary, systems developers and developer analysts both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "java," "c++," and "sql server. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between systems developers and developer analysts, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a systems developer might have more use for skills like "python," "javascript," "troubleshoot," and "project management." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of developer analysts require skills like "eclipse," "architecture," "data analysis," and "visualization. "

Developer analysts enjoy the best pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $99,277. For comparison, systems developers earn the highest salary in the hospitality industry.The average resume of developer analysts showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to systems developers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 1.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.7%.

Types of systems developer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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