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The differences between web application developers and lead software 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 web application developer and a lead software developer. Additionally, a lead software developer has an average salary of $115,072, which is higher than the $85,840 average annual salary of a web application developer.
The top three skills for a web application developer include javascript, web application and CSS. The most important skills for a lead software developer are java, architecture, and application development.
| Web Application Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $85,840 | $115,072 |
| Hourly rate | $41.27 | $55.32 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 229,802 | 309,029 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface. They also coordinate with the design engineers to modify and improve the features of existing software applications for optimal performance. A lead software developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in considering the current technology trends to meet demands.
Web application developers and lead software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Web Application Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $85,840 | $115,072 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $110,000 | Between $87,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fairfield, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a web application developer and a lead software developer in terms of educational background:
| Web Application Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between web application developers' and lead software developers' demographics:
| Web Application Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.9% Female, 19.1% | Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 30.0% White, 52.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |