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.

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:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: Negative Space via CC0 License

More about our data sources and methodologies.