What Do Software Applications Developer Do?
Position 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
- 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.
- Determine system performance standards.
- Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation.
- Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan computer specifications and layouts, and peripheral equipment modifications.
- Train users to use new or modified equipment.
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Software Applications Developer Required 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.
Related Job Titles
- Software Designer
- Automation Engineer
- Simulation Developer
- User Interface Designer
- Game Developer
Software Applications Developer Job Outlook
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. The BLS estimates 85,700 yearly job openings in this field.

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 salary for Software Applications Developers ranges between about $61,660 and $161,290 a year.

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
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
Individuals working as a Software Applications Developer have obtained the following education levels:

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

Software Applications Developers Sector

Below are examples of industries where Software Applications Developers work:

References:
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