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The differences between web site developers and applications 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 site developer and an applications developer. Additionally, a web site developer has an average salary of $91,554, which is higher than the $89,205 average annual salary of an applications developer.
The top three skills for a web site developer include java, C++ and linux. The most important skills for an applications developer are java, javascript, and C++.
| Web Site Developer | Applications Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $91,554 | $89,205 |
| Hourly rate | $44.02 | $42.89 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 177,622 | 279,877 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Typically, a web developer constructs a website's layout and creates an interesting home page and a design that is user-friendly. Web developers ensure the functionality of the site on web browsers once it is up and running. They test and update the site whenever necessary. Sometimes, they write content for their website. They implement website features, integrate security measures, and handle its functionality. Some of the characteristics they need to develop are communication skills, patience, and passion for learning.
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.
Web site developers and applications developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Web Site Developer | Applications Developer | |
| Average salary | $91,554 | $89,205 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $130,000 | Between $67,000 And $118,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Washington |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a web site developer and an applications developer in terms of educational background:
| Web Site Developer | Applications Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between web site developers' and applications developers' demographics:
| Web Site Developer | Applications Developer | |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9% | Male, 77.0% Female, 23.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.0% Asian, 12.4% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 9% | 8% |