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Software Applications Developer

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What is a Software Applications Developer?

Job Description & Duties 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

  • Consult with customers about software system design and maintenance.
  • Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation.
  • Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
  • Coordinate software system installation and monitor equipment functioning to ensure specifications are met.
  • Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
  • Obtain and evaluate information on factors such as reporting formats required, costs, and security needs to determine hardware configuration.

Skills Needed to be 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 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.

Types of Software Applications Developer Jobs

  • Computer Consultant
  • Software Applications Architect
  • Lotus Notes Developer
  • Business Intelligence Developer
  • Implementation Specialist

Is There Going to be Demand for Software Applications Developers?

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. There will be an estimated 85,700 positions for Software Applications Developer per year.

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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.

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Software Applications Developers who work in Washington, California, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.

How much do Software Applications Developers make 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

Becoming a Software Applications Developer

What education or degrees do I need to become a Software Applications Developer?

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

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References:

Image Credit: Negative Space via CC0 License

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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