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The differences between web site developers and 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 software developer. Additionally, a web site developer has an average salary of $91,554, which is higher than the $87,521 average annual salary of a software developer.
The top three skills for a web site developer include java, C++ and linux. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Web Site Developer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $91,554 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $44.02 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 177,622 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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 software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Web site developers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Web Site Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $91,554 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $130,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | California |
| Best paying company | Amazon | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a web site developer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Web Site Developer | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between web site developers' and software developers' demographics:
| Web Site Developer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| 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, 4.5% 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% |