Career Profile: Software Applications Developer

What is a Software Applications Developer?

Software applications developers are sometimes just called software developers. Software applications developers create programs tailored to complete a specific task on a computer, tablet, or other devices. In this job, you would work in an office, usually, unless you were a freelancer (and there are many of this type of opportunity in this field!). Typically, you would work with engineers, programmers, and other technicians. This is a steadily growing profession, and ideal for someone with a passion for computers, and putting technology in the hands of your community.

Responsibilities

One of your biggest responsibilities in this job would be to maintain proficiency in computers, and the latest developments in programming that way you remain relevant to the industry and can perform your job efficiently. You would need to have a working knowledge of some or all of the following computer languages: C++, Python, Java, PHP, XML, HTML/JavaScript/CSS, and Unix Shell Scripting. You must also be familiar with the various operating systems available, such as Linux, Solaris, HPUX, BSD, Mac OS X, and Windows. You would need to know different databases, such as Oracle (PL/SQL), MySQL that are used widely in various businesses. You would be responsible for creating computer software or specialized utility programs for a client, whether that is a company or otherwise. You would be responsible for developing, and modifying this software as well. You would have to monitor the needs of those using the software and use that information to plan projects and structure the programs so that they suited your user. You would work closely with programmers, engineers, and more to design systems and programs, and you would have to obtain information about the limitations of time and technology in regards to what you were trying to do. You would be responsible for developing a way to test and validate software, and modifying or debugging software as needed. You would need to be aware of how computers perform in order to make sure that your client would be able to utilize the software you’re creating. You would also be responsible for collecting and analyzing data to test system capabilities and recommend upgrades or modifications as they were needed. It is likely that you would also be supervising the work of programmers, technicians, and other personnel as your application or software went through the varying stages of development.

Salary

The salary for this job ranges from $48,859 a year to $102,000 a year; the median or average salary that someone in this position earns is $69,115 a year. Most people don’t spend more than twenty years in this career. Experience is the biggest factor in a higher income in this position, and job satisfaction is very high. Skills in different programming languages like Python, Linux, Java, and so on can also lead to higher earnings. Some software application developers are also eligible to earn bonuses, commissions, and may make money from profit sharing.

Qualifications

To qualify for this job you will need a Bachelor’s in Computer Science.