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.
Life As a Software Applications Developer
- Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.
- Coordinate software system installation and monitor equipment functioning to ensure specifications are met.
- Consult with customers about software system design and maintenance.
- Determine system performance standards.
- Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
- Train users to use new or modified equipment.
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Software Applications Developer Needed Skills
These are the skills Software Applications Developers say are the most useful in their careers:
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
- Game Developer
- Technical Consultant
- Application Developer
- Software Tester
- Applications Quality Assurance 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. 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
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.
How much do Software Applications Developers make in each U.S. state?
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
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 to Become a Software Applications Developer
What kind of Software Applications Developer requirements are there?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Software Applications Developers Sector

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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