All About Software Applications Developers
Job 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.
List of Software Applications Developer Job Duties
- Obtain and evaluate information on factors such as reporting formats required, costs, and security needs to determine hardware configuration.
- Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation.
- Consult with customers about software system design and maintenance.
- Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
- Supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians and other engineering and scientific personnel.
- Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan computer specifications and layouts, and peripheral equipment modifications.
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Software Applications Developer Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Software Applications Developers say are important on the job.
Programming: Writing computer programs for various purposes.
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.
Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
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.
Types of Software Applications Developer
- Lotus Notes Developer
- Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst)
- Technical Support Engineer
- Implementation Specialist
- Software Development Engineer
Software Applications Developer Employment Estimates
There were about 831,300 jobs for Software Applications Developer in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
Software Applications Developer Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Software Applications Developers is somewhere between $61,660 and $161,290.

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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Software Applications Developers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Software Applications Developers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Microsoft Outlook
- Python
- jQuery
- React
- Microsoft Access
- Node.js
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- MongoDB
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
How do I Become a Software Applications Developer?
What education is needed to be a Software Applications Developer?

What work experience do I need to become a Software Applications Developer?

Where Software Applications Developers Work

Below are examples of industries where Software Applications Developers work:

References:
Image Credit: Negative Space via CC0 License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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