Life As a Software Applications Developer
Software Applications Developer Example 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.
Software Applications Developer Responsibilities
- Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation.
- Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
- Consult with customers about software system design and maintenance.
- Train users to use new or modified equipment.
- Determine system performance standards.
- Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.
Qualities of a Software Applications Developer
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.
Related Job Titles
- Application Integrator
- Knowledge Management Application Developer
- Software Computer Specialist
- Configuration Manager
- Developer
Software Applications Developer Job Outlook
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. There will be an estimated 85,700 positions for Software Applications Developer per 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.
Salary for a Software Applications Developer
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 |
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
- 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?
Individuals working as a Software Applications Developer have obtained the following education levels:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Software Applications Developers Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Software Applications Developers work:
References:
Image Credit: Negative Space via CC0 License
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