Life As a Software Applications Developer
Position Description Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers.
A Day in the Life of a Software Applications Developer
- Specify power supply requirements and configuration.
- Determine system performance standards.
- Obtain and evaluate information on factors such as reporting formats required, costs, and security needs to determine hardware configuration.
- Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan computer specifications and layouts, and peripheral equipment modifications.
- Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
- Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation.
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What Every Software Applications Developer Should Know
Software Applications Developers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Programming: Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation: Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles
- Software Applications Designer
- Firmware Engineer
- Computer Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- Lotus Notes Developer
Job Outlook for Software Applications Developers
In the United States, there were 831,300 jobs for Software Applications Developer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 30.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 255,300 new jobs for Software Applications Developer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 85,700 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Software Applications Developer are Utah, Nevada, and Louisiana. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maryland, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Software Applications Developer Make?
Software Applications Developers make between $61,660 and $161,290 a year.
Software Applications Developers who work in Washington, California, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Software Applications Developers in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $96,400 |
| Alaska | $104,970 |
| Arizona | $98,670 |
| Arkansas | $87,960 |
| California | $127,950 |
| Colorado | $106,730 |
| Connecticut | $105,500 |
| Delaware | $106,730 |
| District of Columbia | $112,510 |
| Florida | $95,610 |
| Georgia | $105,240 |
| Hawaii | $84,340 |
| Idaho | $86,680 |
| Illinois | $96,610 |
| Indiana | $88,570 |
| Iowa | $88,570 |
| Kansas | $85,380 |
| Kentucky | $86,300 |
| Louisiana | $81,640 |
| Maine | $90,190 |
| Maryland | $108,850 |
| Massachusetts | $109,130 |
| Michigan | $92,260 |
| Minnesota | $96,750 |
| Mississippi | $85,470 |
| Missouri | $93,880 |
| Montana | $87,120 |
| Nebraska | $87,800 |
| Nevada | $105,640 |
| New Hampshire | $110,740 |
| New Jersey | $107,640 |
| New York | $116,830 |
| North Carolina | $103,280 |
| North Dakota | $80,620 |
| Ohio | $95,090 |
| Oklahoma | $86,360 |
| Oregon | $101,940 |
| Pennsylvania | $96,370 |
| Rhode Island | $96,850 |
| South Carolina | $90,830 |
| South Dakota | $75,000 |
| Tennessee | $87,630 |
| Texas | $108,760 |
| Utah | $99,070 |
| Vermont | $97,720 |
| Virginia | $113,690 |
| Washington | $131,790 |
| West Virginia | $87,490 |
| Wisconsin | $87,700 |
| Wyoming | $72,210 |
What Tools & Technology do Software Applications Developers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Software Applications Developers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Microsoft Outlook
- Python
- React
- jQuery
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
How to Become a Software Applications Developer
Learn what Software Applications Developer education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Software Applications Developers Work
Below are examples of industries where Software Applications Developers work:
References:
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