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The differences between web site 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 site developer and a lead software developer. Additionally, a lead software developer has an average salary of $115,072, which is higher than the $91,554 average annual salary of a web site developer.
The top three skills for a web site developer include java, C++ and linux. The most important skills for a lead software developer are java, architecture, and application development.
| Web Site Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $91,554 | $115,072 |
| Hourly rate | $44.02 | $55.32 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 177,622 | 309,029 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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.
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 site developers and lead software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Web Site Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $91,554 | $115,072 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $130,000 | Between $87,000 And $151,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | California |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a web site developer and a lead software developer in terms of educational background:
| Web Site Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between web site developers' and lead software developers' demographics:
| Web Site Developer | Lead Software Developer | |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9% | Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5% |
| 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, 4.3% 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% |